Is it OK to trick others in an FFA?

[Rebel Fighter]

We've all been there before. You're chillin' with another guy in an FFA who made a declaration of friendship with you. He says he won't attack you and that everything will be fine. You decide to trust him. Then the next thing you know, BANG! he's declared war on you and is razing your cities like nobody's business.

Also, he's taking your cookies.

"Throw in a glass of milk and no one gets hurt!!"

Unfortunately, this is a very common occurrence in Civilization 5. My question of the day for you: "Is it OK to trick others in an FFA?" We're talking about in an online context, here.

Some people that are for it may say,

"Yes, it's fine. There can only be one winner. It's just a game so it's not wrong to trick them."

On the other hand, some people that are against it may say,

"No, it's wrong. There may be only one winner, but you don't have to win through domination. It may be just a game, but it's still tricking people regardless."

What's your take on the matter?

 

[michaeltrnka]

Yes Civ is a game of war but it is also a game of politics. As they say, "all is fair in love and war." So I don't think that anyone should or even could stop someone from breaking promises or backstabbing allies. That being said I think that backstabbing/lying is a weak strategy. You may be able to surprise someone and take them out or even win a game by being a fink but if you play a lot especially in GMR or PBEM games your reputation will catch up to you. Trust worthy players will be able to hire/be hired as a mercenary, take out loans and/or make pacts that a liar will not.

Personally I don't put much stock in a deceleration of friendship. To me all it means it that I think you are a fair player and I have no plans of attacking you at the moment that I make it. But it wont stop me from going to war with you. However, if I make you a promises you can take it to the bank. Also I will never make a blanket promises not to attack you. It seems to much like collusion. If you want to ensure you are safe from my military then pay me protection money. Most of the time I am happy to run a mafia style protection racket.

 

[BuilderFTW]

Personally, I play diplomacy differently depending on the game. I try to be very courteous in chat at least until I declare war. I try to avoid backstabing people too much, but I do it occasionally.

One good way to see ahead is to make an effort to track demographics(f9). If your neighbor who seems friendly suddenly has the largest army around (and you have no army at all), you should try to get some defenses up. Also pay attention to when a civ gets their unique unit, because its likely people attack during that time.

 

[Smote]

Its ok, but there's consequences (damaged online reputation). Civ 5 multiplayer is not a huge community- people will learn and possibly hold a grudge. That said, I think there is nothing morally wrong with it.

I suggest all alliances include 1-2 scouts in each others territory for the duration of the alliance to ensure honesty

 

[tommynt]

I m telling people that they r all noobs and gona be dead soon in turn 0.

That way they can try form alliances to have a slim chance at surviving bit longer.
In end they all die anyway.

Apart that I make only lux for lux deals, there isnt much to trick.

 

[michaeltrnka]

I m telling people that they r all noobs and gona be dead soon in turn 0.

That way they can try form alliances to have a slim chance at surviving bit longer.
In end they all die anyway.

Apart that I make only lux for lux deals, there isnt much to trick.

At least everyone knows what they are getting when they play you. Although I bet you do better as Attila then Gandhi.

 

[NQ_carls13]

I have to agree that the DOF means very little in this game unless your Sweden or are making a research agreement. I've accepted and then broken prior to it's ending. I think we all have. A verbal agreement is different. If I tell someone I won't attack while he is at war(of course I get something out of the deal) then I hold true to my word. Your reputation follows you from game to game. Both in how you treat people(ie: tommy calling ppl noobs all the time) and your in game actions. Some players try to abuse mechanics like DOF and waiting out timer to move units or war and peace with city state while conquering. Repeated action like this tends to be remembered and results in boycott. Win or lose the game is meant to be fun!!!

 

[tommynt]

(ie: tommy calling ppl noobs all the time)

actually I dont - the word noob is so - hm - ordinary and plain - I try be better then that

I bet i have been called noob more often by players who just lost their cap (pretty ironic eh?) more often as other way round

Although I bet you do better as Attila then Gandhi.

civs dont really matter - even when there are some obviously some better as others and gandhi beeing the only one giving a disadvantage instead some kind of bonus.

Also

Win or lose the game is meant to be fun!!

thats why is it better not to play vs bad players in 1. place - no need for ordinary words and more fun games

and this is leading back to original question: just play clever and good opponents - they dont let themself get tricked
If u r not able to find these - just stick to singleplayer