DipCon/Whipping drew a total of 47 players this year, who played a total of 21 boards of Diplomacy over 4 rounds.  Eric Mead was crowned North American Champion thanks to his Austrian solo in round 3 and two other strong results. 

At the hobby meeting, bids for DipCon 2011 were presented for Carnage and Buckeye Game Fest.  Voting by DipCon Society members will begin sometime in the coming weeks.  NADF President Conrad Woodring also discussed plans and progress for the NADF including a new website, more promotion for the hobby, and re-instating the Travel Fund.

I have been running the Whipping for 7 years and I can't without a doubt say that hosting DipCon was a truly special experience for me.  As a devoted player and organizer there is nothing like seeing nearly 50 players gather over a weekend and enjoy themselves over some extremely competitive boards, not to mention the after-hours activities. A huge thank you goes out to all of the attendees for doing their part in making this such a great hobby.  

Equally importantly, an event like DipCon doesn't happen without the hard work of many individuals.  I give a huge thank you to the organizing committee, Edi Birsan, Condy Creek, and Andy Hull for all of the time, effort, and devotion they have given toward making DipCon the great event it was.

And now, the complete results:

Top Board:

1. Eric Mead

2. Chris Brand

3. Adam Sigal

4. Steve Cooley

5. Don Williams

6. Daniel Byars

7. Edi Birsan

Outstanding Country Awards:

Austria: Eric Mead (solo)

England: (tie) Graham Woodring and Tom Kobrin (13 centers)

France: Daniel Byars (solo)

Germany: Edi Birsan (15 centers)

Italy: Steve Cooley (17 centers)

Russia: Adam Sigal (solo)

Turkey: Chris Brand (solo)

Special Awards:

Best pirate (army): Daniel Byars (one center Turkish army for 4 years)

Best pirate (fleet): Chris Brand (one center Russian fleet in northern waters for 4 years)

Turtle defense award: Jared White (11 years as a 3 center Italy)

Venom award: Adam Sigal (making the TD stay up till 5am for draw votes)

B.A.D.Ass. Bear: Andy Bartalone (as a reminder of west-coast care-bear play)

Outstanding Young Player: Karim Helmy

Kamikaze Award: Dave Maletsky (threw 6 dots in a year to help a solo)

Top Ninja: Don Williams (eliminated the most powers)

Knife Throwing: Louis Abronson (successfully convoyed Edinburgh to Tuscany)

Handcuffs: Don Williams and Steve Cooley (17-17 draw)

Complete Standings:

Results of individual boards:

Round 1

Board 1 "Inept Play" (1909)

Austria: Andy Bartalone (elim 1907)

England: David Wan (12)

France: James Geluso (2)

Germany: Nick Bendler (elim 1905)

Italy: Rob Vollman (6)

Russia: Mike Hall (4)

Turkey: Richard Bliss (10)

Board 2 "Steamroller" (1907)