Hmm, you're probably too quick to draw sometimes....

I wouldn't be too worried Crazy - after all a draw is still a success.

My favorite way to win in an ideal world would be to get a big lead early enough so no one could stop me. That is usually impossible and even then, everyone can gang up on you. Some other strategies that I see players use are:

1. Be in a tight alliance and then stab an ally at the last minute. I personally have a hard time with stabbing one of my close buddies after we've been through a lot together. I feel more like sharing the wealth at that point, especially if they have sacrificed a lot for me.

2. Get into a tight alliance and then stab at midgame. Finding the best timing is the key I guess.

3. Stab lots of people a little bit. The problem here is that you may end up with no allies and worst case , everyone gangs up on you.

4. Don't play DIP if you can't handle the guilt, or keep drawing all the time and never win.

What advice do players have about the above strategies and what other strategies have you succeeded with?

@figle I'm not worried. Getting a Draw is very enjoyable, but I'd also like to increase my GR if possible.

hmm I think that when someone starts to play the game seriously the percentage of draws rises and the percentage of defeats and wins fall.
So I don't think you can do something about. Maintaining big percentage in both draws and victories is something only the top 20 players or so can do, so you should ask them.

Crazy: In that case don't be so trusting would probably be my advice. Never leave your ally in such a position that he can or would want to stab you, nor should you leave yourself in such a position you're stuck and cannot move against him should you choose to.

if you don't follow figles advice you'll end up like me in "I'm not afraid of you and I will kick your ass" where dave bishop just stabbed me. i deserve it of course, maybe he will get flanked as he attacks me, who knows. ending up with no allies is of course worst case scenario you saw that happen to me in the live game, i stabbed my loyal ally one turn too early.

I feel the same way Crazyter does. If I'm close to victory but don't quite reach it...slamming my head on the wall.

Guys, don't get mad at me for saying this BUT....THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!!!!

Thanks guys. Anyone else have any commentary or advice on this?

For me, the games in which I have won involved one good ally (who, sadly, usually gets stabbed in the end) and a lot of fighting on the other side of the board. I think the best way to win is to build slowly, so the other players don't get nervous and team up on you.

Never get too far ahead on the SC count. In fact tied for first or in second is the best place to be.

Draug-That's fine for a draw, but then how do you pull ahead for the win? that's my real question-how to time the stab

Play gunboat if you feel guilty stabbing...I personally don't stab if me and someone agree to a 100% alliance

if you want to win you have to stab your best ally in a point that he will be obliged to be your puppet in order to survive the game.

example: Spell of Wheels here: gameID=17011

@Hellalt that's an interesting idea Thanks

How about some more of you folks? Care to give away your secrets?

You could play a game with me as your ally =]

gameID=15501

Honestly, this supports Hellalt's point about making someone work for the remainder of the game.