The Book: Total Diplomacy, The Art of Winning Risk

ePub

riskplayer — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 07:25:26 GMT

I read the sample pages and it seems to be a great book.

The only thing I don't like is that it is only available in proprietary Kindle format and not as ePub which is the de facto standard for eBooks.

Would it be possible to make it available as ePub (so that everyone who buys the PDF version of the book can also download the ePub version)? I know that you can use tools to convert PDF to ePub, but the results aren't very good, it would be much easier for you because you have the sources.

Thanks!

New Risk book

player — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:22:49 GMT

I read the book when it first came out and I really enjoyed it. For some reason I tend to enjoy reading about Risk strategies and think about all sorts of ways to conquer others. The book is very unique in that respect and I am very happy that it was written.

What I am wondering now is if there will be another book on this that extends the first book and goes into more detail on all aspects of Risk such as strategy or diplomacy. I also like all the psychological tactics and have been very impressed with them. It would be great if you could add more of this type of content to the book, although you already had quite a bit on this in the first book.

Thanks again for considering this if it is not already in the pipeline

An eager fan

Great book - Review

blackburngrant — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:15:46 GMT

I purchased this book with high expectations because of a website the author had put on about.com called “Risk Strategies Explained” which did a great job of explaining basic, advanced and diplomatic tactics and strategies to playing the classic game of Risk. Since he released this incredible book which met my very high expectations, his website has been updated and expanded (now this website, totaldiplomacy.com). and provides considerable resources and examples to learn from with great graphics in an easy-to-read and easy-to-learn style.

Ehsan Honary’s book captures the art of playing Risk, much like a complete text on the subject. It is authoritative, intelligent, detailed and well thought out. It begins with basic tactics and strategies that a beginning player needs to understand and also serves as a review for advanced players. The rest of the book is devoted to diplomacy and game psychology as Risk is a game that is difficult to win unless you understand these important aspects of the game. Even if your “house style” as the author puts it, does not allow for alliances, knowing the diplomatic aspects of the game can greatly enhance your chances to win the game. Knowing when to attack and when to become powerful can have a great impact on game play as those that appear the most powerful early on often becomes the target of attacks. Knowing when to pull the trigger can be vital and this book gives you the secrets you need to understand these dynamics.

Risk is a game that has needed a book devoted to the game and its strategies and nuances, and Ehsan Honary has done so in grand style. The book comes complete with myriad examples for you to learn from and allows the reader access to the skills and mind-set required for a successful experience. The examples are easy to read and understand so they are accessible to every one and does not require cryptic notation like Chess or Diplomacy. Monopoly has many books on how to play the game, finally one has come out for Risk, this book does the game justice and hopefully the author will continue to put out quality books of this type.

The book also matches particular strategies to quotes and lessons from history and it also provides real-life uses beyond the game of Risk as well. This manual has many practical implications as well as enhancing your gaming experience. Even beginners can use these strategies and tactics right away and improve their game.

The only point that I would add to the book other than making it color (which would raise the price of the book, but it would be cool) is that it does not include strategies for other variations of Risk. There are many popular house rules and variations as well as new versions released, especially 2210 AD which is now very popular. If the author were to write another book, it certainly must contain strategies for these newer games, especially 2210 AD since these games require a strategy all their own which adds to the fun of Risk. Risk 2210 AD is a game that has many different options and strategies, that a book or at least several chapters of a book would be invaluable.

One of my favorite games, Clone Wars Risk, has shown me that there are many ways to play the great game Risk, and these specific scenarios that come with these new versions adds much excitement to the game. I have often read the Clone Wars isn’t a good game because the Order 66 rule greatly favors one side, but since I have played that game on many occasions, I can tell you that there is a way for both sides to win and a very definite strategy to accomplishing your goals. Knowing these strategies can revive a game like Clone Wars and equip you with the skills necessary to be a winner.

Even though these newer games are not included, you can certainly use many of the strategies and tactics described in Honary’s book, with adaptations of course.

If you play Risk, any version of Risk, pick up this book, it is a must read. If you like games, strategy or you just want something to read, pick up this book. This book is so helpful and fun to read, every Risk fan should not be without it. For me, it is my Bible when it comes to the game of Risk.

Total Diplomacy is a great book

player — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:29:30 GMT

Just finished reading the book. It was fantastic. Let me first congratulate you on writing this comprehensive and entertaining book on Risk. I quite liked all the tactical examples as well as all the psychological tricks.

The stories are very amusing and the book is easy to read and never gets tiring. The part that I found most engaging was all the analysis with the turtle strategy and what happens when you play Risk repeatedly. Absolutely A++. I cant get enough of this sort of analysis. Its just very cool.

I wish the book had even more examples and scenarios, but that's fans for you. They just want more. :-) I will watch the scenario section on the site for more though. Keep up the good work.

I like Risk very much and I play with my flatmates regularly. My friends don't know about the book yet, so I am going to use my new found tricks on them and win every time. Mooooohahahahhaha.