Austria's Diplomatic Playbook: Strategies For Success

Playing Austria in Diplomacy requires a great deal of hard work and a tremendous diplomatic effort. Austria is in a tense triangle with Russia and Turkey to the east and must placate or destroy these two countries, as well as Italy, to do well. It is important to keep Russia and Turkey from allying and to get Germany on your side. Austria has four neutral supply centres within reach in the first year and has the capacity for explosive growth, but one or more centres will likely have to be offered to other players in exchange for alliances. A defensive strategy is often the best approach for Austria, particularly in the early stages of the game, and it is important not to neglect the diplomatic aspect of the game.

Forming alliances with Russia, Turkey, or Italy

Playing as Austria in Diplomacy can be challenging, as you are surrounded by other powers from the start of the game and are at the centre of the action. Your key neighbours are Germany, Italy, Russia and Turkey, and your first priority should be to survive the first few years of the game. Forming alliances with one or more of these neighbours can be a good strategy, but it requires careful diplomacy.

When it comes to Russia, Turkey and Italy, your main goal should be to prevent an alliance between Russia and Turkey, as this could be detrimental to your survival. Getting Russia on your side against Turkey might be easier, and you could negotiate to divide up the Balkans and Turkey, although this could lead to open war. Offer Russia all of Turkey in exchange for Bulgaria, as this will give you a strategic advantage. However, be cautious, as Russia may also be a threat, especially if they gain ground in Germany.

With Italy, you should aim for a neutrality pact to prevent attacks. Avoid early war with Italy, as they can be a valuable ally, especially if you can encourage them to work with you against a potential RT (Russia-Turkey) alliance. However, be aware that some Italian players might stab you in the back to get a piece of the action in the Balkans.

As for Turkey, forming an alliance with them might be more challenging, as they are often in competition with Austria for the Balkans region. Keeping Turkey from allying with Russia should be a priority, and if you can get Russia on your side, it will be easier to negotiate with Turkey.

In summary, when playing as Austria, focus on survival and careful diplomacy. Prevent a Russia-Turkey alliance, negotiate with Russia for Bulgaria, maintain neutrality with Italy, and use diplomacy to get Russia or Italy on your side against Turkey if needed. Remember, alliances can shift, so always be ready to adapt your strategy.

Using the Hedgehog opening

Playing as Austria in Diplomacy can be challenging, as the country is vulnerable to attacks from its neighbours and has the highest rate of early eliminations among all the seven Great Powers. The key to success when playing as Austria is to survive the first few years of the game and form strategic alliances to protect yourself from threats.

One opening strategy that can be employed by Austria is the Hedgehog, which involves presenting a tough posture and focusing on diplomacy. The Southern Hedgehog, in particular, is considered the best possible opening for Austria, offering a wide range of options for negotiations in Winter 1901. This move typically involves A Vie-Gal, A Bud-Rum, and F Tri-Ven, with a modification of A Bud-Ser to secure Bulgaria and prevent a Turkish standoff. This variation is safer and guarantees a build, providing options for expansion.

When employing the Hedgehog strategy, it is crucial to prioritise diplomacy and maintain neutral relationships with neighbouring countries. Austria should seek a non-aggression pact with Germany, demilitarising Bohemia and Tyrolia. Additionally, it is important to avoid early conflict with Italy and Russia. Instead, focus on forming alliances or negotiating deals to stall potential threats.

To survive as Austria, it is essential to prevent an alliance between Russia and Turkey. If such an alliance forms, collaborate with Italy to stall them, and encourage an attack on Russia in the north. Offer Italy support in Tunis and encourage them to build a fleet in Naples. Additionally, consider negotiating with Russia for Bulgaria, as this can provide strategic advantages against them in Rumania and Sevastopol.

The Hedgehog strategy for Austria in Diplomacy requires a delicate balance of diplomacy and strategic positioning. While survival is the top priority, the potential for explosive growth exists if alliances are managed effectively and early threats are mitigated.

Avoiding war with Italy

Playing as Austria in Diplomacy can be challenging, as you are surrounded by other powers from the start of the game and are vulnerable to attacks. Italy is one of the key players you need to consider in your strategy, and while war with Italy may sometimes be inevitable, there are ways to avoid it and even form an alliance. Here are some tips to avoid war with Italy when playing as Austria:

First and foremost, survival is key. Austria is the easiest country to eliminate in the game, so your initial focus should be on making it through the first few years. This may involve some tough negotiations and strategic manoeuvres. Offer Italy a neutrality pact, and try to foster an alliance with them. Italy is often the odd one out among the eastern nations, so they may be open to an alliance if it benefits them. However, be cautious, as Italy can be an unpredictable player, and attacking them head-on is usually not advisable.

A non-aggression pact with Germany is also beneficial, as it can help stabilise your position and prevent early wars on two fronts. Germany is often more concerned with western and northern affairs, so they can be a valuable ally or at least remain neutral. Encourage Germany to focus on its western borders and maintain a stable relationship with them.

Keep a close eye on Russia and Turkey. These two powers often pose the greatest threat to Austria, and you must do whatever you can to prevent an alliance between them. Offer support, negotiate, and even sacrifice some gains to ensure they remain hostile towards each other. If an RT alliance forms despite your efforts, Italy becomes an even more critical ally. Work together to stall the RT alliance, and encourage other powers, such as FEG, to support you.

Finally, be flexible and adapt to the changing dynamics of the game. Diplomacy is key, and you may need to make concessions or form unexpected alliances to survive. Remember, your goal is to make it through the early game and then solidify your position. Avoid unnecessary risks, especially in the first few turns, and focus on building a strong foundation for Austria.

Conquering the seas

The "Von Metzke Blitz" opening, named after an older Diplomacy player, Conrad von Metzke, involves sending Budapest to Trieste and Vienna to Tyrolia. This move signals an attack on Italy and is a rare strategy as it can divide Austria's front, making defence more difficult, or pull Austria away from the Balkans entirely, sacrificing gains and putting Austria in a vulnerable position.

To conquer the seas, you will need to raise a functioning navy of at least 2-3 fleets. However, such expenditures are rarely affordable in the early stages of the game and are not usually advisable.

It is crucial to remember that Austria's position is precarious, surrounded by powerful neighbours who covet its territory. Russia and Turkey, in particular, pose a significant threat, and your primary goal should be to prevent an alliance between them. Germany, on the other hand, can usually be relied upon as an ally, as they are more concerned with western and northern affairs.

Overall, while conquering the seas may provide some strategic advantages, it is not a common strategy for Austria due to the limited resources and the need to focus on land-based threats and alliances.

Neutrality pacts

Playing Austria in Diplomacy can be challenging, as the country is surrounded by potential threats from the start of the game. Austria must focus on early survival and form strategic alliances to thrive. One crucial aspect of Austria's strategy is neutrality pacts, which can help maintain peace with neighbouring powers and buy time for growth. Here are some key considerations for Austria's approach to neutrality pacts:

Firstly, Austria should seek a non-aggression pact with Germany, demilitarizing Bohemia and Tyrolia. Both countries serve as corridors for expansion, and conflict between them would only benefit other powers. Germany, concerned with western and northern affairs, is often a reliable ally for most of the game. Maintaining positive relations with Germany can provide stability on one front, allowing Austria to focus on other potential threats.

Secondly, while Italy is a corridor vulnerable to French attacks, Austria should avoid early conflict with them. Instead, offering Italy a neutrality pact can be beneficial. Attacking Italy is generally ill-advised, and maintaining peace can prevent Italy from allying with France against Austria. However, Italy may still pose a threat, and it is crucial to watch for potential attacks, such as the Rome-Venice move, which could lead to the loss of two Austrian centres in the first year.

Additionally, in the tense triangle formed by Russia, Austria, and Turkey, it is essential to get one of them on your side. Negotiating a neutrality pact with Russia might be more feasible than with Turkey. While dividing the Balkans and Turkey with Russia can be challenging, an alliance could grant Austria Bulgaria, providing a strategic position for attacking Russia in Rumania and advancing towards Sevastopol. However, Russia and Turkey must not be allowed to ally, as it would threaten Austria's position.

Finally, while Austria's initial focus should be on survival, the country has the capacity for explosive growth. With four neutral supply centres within reach in the first year, Austria can strengthen its position. However, forming alliances may require offering some of these centres to other players. A strong negotiator can leverage these assets to form powerful alliances and secure Austria's influence in the game.

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