there they still must own it and the province must be open. Players may choose any supply center as a HOME for example: EDI, DEN, ROM It is suggested that for the number players the following starting pieces are used: Two – 12 units Three – 8 units Four − 6 units Five – 5 units Six – 4 units It is also suggested that for games with 2–4 players that the 'Gunboat' rule applies which means that there are no discussions. For 4 or 5 players, it is suggested that the 'Wilson' or 'Public Press' rule applies which means that all discussions must take place in the open at the table with no whispers or secret signals. For 5 or 6 players, it is suggested that regular negotiation rules apply. The following are the current official suggestions: Alternative way to play The following is an alternative way to play the game of Diplomacy when fewer than seven players are present. Six Players: Eliminate Italy. Italian units hold in position and defend themselves, but don't support each other. Units belonging to any of the players can support them in their holding position. If Italian units are forced to retreat, they're disbanded. Five Players: Eliminate Italy and Germany (as described for Italy above). Four Players: One player plays Britain, and the other three play the following pairs: Austria/France, Germany/Turkey, and Italy/Russia. Three Players: One player controls Britain/Germany/Austria; the second, Russia/Italy; and the third, France/Turkey. Or one player plays Britain/Austria; one plays France/Russia; one plays Germany/Turkey. In this version Italy is not played. Three Players (alternative): One person plays Russia while the other two control Britain/France/Germany and Austria/Italy/Turkey. Two Players: This version can be played as a World War I simulation. One player controls Britain/France/Russia while the other plays Austria/Germany/Turkey. Italy is neutral and Italian territory can't be entered. The game begins in 1914. Before the Fall 1914 adjustments, flip a coin. Italy joins the winner of the toss in Spring 1915. The first player to control 24 supply centers wins. This is also a way for two new players to learn the rules. In games for 2, 3, or 4 players, supply-center ownership is computed for each individual country, even though the same person plays more than one country. As with the regular rules, adjustments must be made by each country in accordance with its supply-center holdings. Commercially published Diplomacy variants