Lepanto opening
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The Lepanto opening is probably the best know named opening in the board game Diplomacy. Developed by Edi Birsan, it is used by the generally weak Italy, in alliance with Austria, to defeat Turkey, and is named after the Battle of Lepanto, in which the Turkish fleet was destroyed by Italian forces.
Standard Lepanto
When playing the Lepanto opening, Italy usually opens in Spring 1901 with F NAP—ION (to prepare for the convoy to Tunis), A ROM—APU (preparing to be convoyed), and A VEN HOLD (to conceal Italy's intentions and protect against a stab from Austria).
In Fall 1901, Italy then plays A APU—TUN, with F ION cA APU—TUN. He then builds a fleet in Naples, a common site for Italian builds. This allows him to play in Spring 1902 F ION—EAS and F NAP—ION, with Naples and Tunis holding. He can then spring in Fall 1902 with A TUN—SYR (convoyed by F ION and F EAS). This positional advantage is usually fatal to Turkey, as he will likely be under attack by Austria as well.
Problems
The chief problem with the Lepanto opening is that, if he is aware of it, Turkey can easily counter it. He does this by playing F ANK—CON in Spring 1901, followed by F CON—AEG in Fall 1901, with a fleet build in Smyrna in the Winter. In Spring 1902, he then plays F SMY—EAS, bouncing Italy's move. Therefore, Italy must usually pretend to negotiate an alliance with Turkey against Austria, using A VEN HOLD as a decoy.
Key Lepanto
The best-known variation of the Lepanto opening is the Key Lepanto. The moves are the same as for the standard Lepanto, but rather than holding, Italy plays A VEN—TRI—SER (usually with Austrian suppport to foil Turkey's A BUL—SER). However, the Key Lepanto variation is rarely seen, as it requires great trust on the part of the Austrian player that Italy will not simply decide to stay in Trieste.
See Also
External links
- [link], original article by Birsan describing the Lepanto opening.
- [link], an online library of Diplomacy openings.
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