Hi guys, I think I might need to hit the "reset switch" on my brain regarding how to play Diplomacy.

As with most things in life, we all know the old saying "practice makes perfect", but when you keep making the same mistakes, then you don't improve, and it's time to re-examine what you're doing.

I was introduced to Diplomacy a few months ago and became hooked! I can see why such an awesome community has grown around the game. :) I've had a lot of fun learning, playing, and improving, but I've hit a brick wall.

I may need to "shift the paradigm", to "recalibrate my brain" with regards to improving my skills.

I think I need to stop and ask a fundamental question: [b]What is the objective for most players?[/b] When 7 Diplomacy players start a game, does each person have the goal of a solo victory? Or is that seen as a rare, unobtainable, unrealistic goal for most players? If so, does that mean therefore that they are thinking "My goal is to share a draw with one or two other players."?

This may seem like an obvious question, but think about the deeper implication. I realized that I honestly don't know the answer to that, and if I don't know the answer to that, then there's no way I can improve my diplomacy skills because my fundamental assumption about the intention of all the players is flawed.

[b]TL;DR How rare are solos? Should that be my initial goal going into every game? Or is that unrealistic, therefore I should be looking to draw (and only go for a solo if the opportunity presents itself?)[/b]

Thanks in advance!