ABSTRACT
An automated agent that has to act in a multi-agent environment needs the capability to negotiate. In this paper we concentrate on problems that arise while evaluating suggestions during negotiations. We distinguish between different kind of suggestions and present methods and techniques for evaluating them. The suggestions are written using a formal Negotiation Language that we have developed. We show how our approach was successfully implemented in a specific environment: the Diplomacy game. As in other board games, playing Diplomacy involves a certain amount of technical skill but the capacity to negotiate, explain, convince, promise, keep promises or choose not to keep them, is an essential ingredient of good play. Diplomat was evaluated and consistently played better than well experienced players, and in games that were held, many players did not guess which player Diplomat was playing.
