Shift Right to the Main Site?

[diplomat42]

So...there's been talk about a new variant for the main site, but it hasn't panned out due to Craw's absence. So I was thinking--what about Shift Right/Left? No new map is needed, but rather just some (simple?) code changes to reflect countries moving around.

It seems rather interesting to me, and it could perhaps eventually be expanded to 1900, Milan, or AM?

Rules here: http://www.variantbank.org/results/rules/s/shift.htm

[asudevil]

I liked the test that was run on this...but it may just have been me.

[jkid]

I liked the test that was run on this...but it may just have been me.

That test run was tons of fun.

[sinnybee]

Great idea!
A new way to play Diplomacy without giving dipsy and Craw/a new photoshopper a lot of work!
I've never played this, but it does sound fun!

For Ancient Med., the countries could go in a star pattern:
Rome -> Egypt
Egypt -> Greece
Greece -> Carthage
Carthage -> Persia
Persia -> Rome
(or some other way, I didn't look at the map to see if that's the fairest way)

[Blackfish]

Shift Right? Why not Shift Left? What's wrong with Shift Left? Or even Shift Around, for that matter.

[matty8883]

Woah that is a crazy variant! How long does it usually take before someone can actually build?

[super_dipsy]

Yes, it would not actually be too hard to do. It is only the initial setup that would have to change, and then the rest of the game plays in exactly the same way. I vaguely remember what zaps I had to make to get the trial game set up, so it could be done. But I am hopeful we are making progress on a map-making replacement so don't give up on new variants! Of course, we need the 'new variant voter' process to run again that Pedros runs so I know which one is next.

However Shift Right/Left would not be too bad. It would have to be an option like Stuff or Fog, and then it could apply to any game....oh, except for non-standard start games like Chaos. Not sure Chaos Shift Right makes a lot of sense! I guess the question becomes whether we want to add what is likely to be a relatively rare option and take up another possible 'options' slot . The issue with options is that every time we add one, we make things more confusing for players wanting to join a game because there are more things they have to check.

I'll tell you what I had though of at one time. Not sure how much sense it makes, but anyway. After the first Shift Right game, a number of players said they would love to play another one some time. I wondered if rare 'tweaks' like this might be something that could happen on an occasional basis - so for example every now and then I could create a Shift Right or Shift Left or Shuffle game and advertise it on the forum with a password for people to join. Then we don't have to add new and possibly confusing new options but people get a chance to get a fix on something a bit different now and then.

Anyway, as far as the original suggestion is concerned, if people think Shift Right is a good priority and a good use of limited options, it can certainly be done. Where it lands on the priority list will depend on how much support the idea gets

[Pedros]

Shift Left would be just as easy (it's a recognised variant with just the countries going in the reverse direction) and both could be offered. The DVFG game (NOT a test run!) was thoroughly enjoyable, it's true.

But one huge problem and one big doubt.

1. Turkey is, literally, a no-hoper. Starting in Germany (in both variants) his only way home is through either Bulgaria/Constantinople or Sevastapol/Armenia. If ever there's a game when he makes it I'd be stunned! You wouldn't want to allow anything but a random start for this one!

2. And as long as there are a handful of reasonable players in the game it could be a 99% draw. One game wasn't enough to test it out, but it took to around 1910 for people to start getting home. Until then they've maybe gained a couple of centres but no units. The alternative would be a game which kind of started again, more like a Regular game, in 1911-ish.

If it's even to be considered then we ought to play a few more trial runs. It isn't difficult (I think!) for dipsy to set the game up so if somebody would like to organise it we can at least ask him. If I remember rightly I advertised both in Games and DVFGs - and, of course, premiums only. But make sure dipsy's on board first!

[Pedros]

My last post crossed with dipsy's (and we'll probably do it again this time!)

Clearly we shouldn't have too much trouble persuading him to give it a go by one means or another. The 'occasional' idea is interesting - depends what takes more work. For the previous run it only involved dipsy altering the starting positions manually when we were ready to go.

If it was an alternative variant to my mind it's clear it's an extra one on the Fleet Rome etc list, not an option like Fog. It's a starting position variant (and could be played Fog. Grief!) In fact I think that Fleet Rome is such a rubbish alternative that its slot could be used for Shift so as not to create another option on the Join list.

[sinnybee]

I don't think we have too many options yet, and I don't think we have to scrap Fleet Rome, but given the choice, I would certainly rather have the Shift option over the Fleet Rome option.

Pedros is correct that it would be on the "Game Variants" list of creating a game, along with Build Anywhere, Winter 1900, etc.