I'm not sure what my favourite is. I know that Turkey is my least favourite tho. I feel cornered when playing Turkey and in the real life games I played most of the times there is a stalemate on the Balkans for the first few years, so playing Turkey is really frustrating. My favourite might be England. I also like France and had some fun games playing Austria or Italy with the other of the two being played by a less experienced player who did what I told him.

I’ve felt similarly at times. Being cornered can definitely feel limiting, especially when the Balkans stall out early. I also agree with you about France. It’s a solid pick in-game, and I genuinely love the country too. But there’s more to explore beyond France both in Diplomacy and in real life. If you're curious, this piece highlights some lesser-known spots across the country: https://gowithguide.com/blog/beyond-paris-unique-hidden-gems-in-france-for-authentic-culture-5873

As for England, your point about going after Russia first is a good one. The naval angle is fun, but I always wonder how players manage the isolation, seems like a challenge to pull the right alliances early.

I've had some further time to reflect on my favourite country in classic. I can't believe I was so stupid! How could I forget the theme for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enuOArEfqGo

I love all nations. This is rear game in which each nation play so differently so playing them all and not sticking to just one gives the best playing experience.

Yeah, the answer to the question of my favorite Power is "Whichever one I am playing right now".

My favorite country along those lines is whichever one YOU'RE playing right now, because I'm about to gas up everyone else so that you think we're friends.

I like Italy. It was my first win, and I have refined a strategy against the webdip bots in which you do a lepanto and then stab Austria and pray you don't get attacked by France

Germany & Austria, absolute powerhouses in just a couple turns if played right.
Least favorite is France, decide between the stalemate of the med vs italy or the chore of making landfall in Britain, yeah no thanks.

I prefer either France or England in classic, although I don't play Classic much. I usually play the Alacavre variant because it has much better balance ;)

I agree, gelamacy, France stands out both in Diplomacy and real life. There are also many underrated regions worth discovering beyond the usual spots. This article offers a good overview: https://gowithguide.com/blog/beyond-paris-unique-hidden-gems-in-france-for-authentic-culture-5873.

Hmmm, maybe this isn't the best country in classic but it isn't too bad. I'd play it: https://youtu.be/0oGoCkz4qno?si=QR34WdjSsukahBI1

Spambots these days like gelamacy and PaullongWelch are apparently self-aware that they are off-topic. Must be the wonders of generative AI doing their magic?

Hahaha, I hadn't actually noticed JECE. Good pick up! Neither have played a game.

Time for the Mods to get the BAN button ready!!!

Yeah, I was fooled by the first one but only because I only half read posts.

Okay, these are smarter than the others. But not as smart as checking out these remarkable lesser-known sites in France. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianducheng

Switzerland - 100%

Swiss Classic - I like it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_G_0vgEYJg

Mmm… that calls for a Swiss yodeling variant!

@DiplomaticDiplomat
Since when is the Alcavre balanced?

Seeing it is Classic but with a different map you can say the same about Classic.

Say what you will, ambassador, but nothing beats the balance of Ankara Crescent. Anyone up for a game?