What is PBM?PBM stands for Play-By-Mail PBeM is a derivative. It stands for Play-By-eMailThe process is simple. Players send their orders for each turn in the gameto a game master, or referee, who processes the orders to work out gameresults and send them back again to the players. PBM games are ideallysuited for wargames, because they offer:- impartialness through the use of a thrid party, the referee
- fog-of-war element: intelligence is limited to what the player should onlysee
- multi-player games (dozens, sometimes hundreds) which are independet ofmeeting dates
- secret diplomacy. conversing with some player isn't obvious to anybodyelse
- planning and consideration time whenever and as long as you want
- the whole game isn't futile just because one or two players drop out (lackof interest or time)
It also has some drawbacks:
- it is usually more expensive, as mostly mailing and printing costs haveto be covered
- it takes months or even years to complete one game
Most people feel that this is compensated by the fun and thrillimposed by the PBM system. It also has a social aspect: Through PBM youalso often make friends around the world.