In order to play against the game's AI, type "/addbots" (without the quotes) in the chat box -- this will generate two AI opponents to play for. Once everyone at the table that wants to play has sat, checking "Start game" (at the top of the screen) will begin the game.

At this point, the game randomly selects a player to go first, and each person takes turns moving their armies -- expanding on the map and fighting their opponents. New armies are allocated to each player at the end of their turn, one army for each connected square of your color (connections only count vertically and horizontally, though you can attack diagonally).

Players win by building a strong base, expanding wisely, and using diplomacy in the chat window.

There are several variations of the game, partial victory battles, all or nothing, and with/without "Off turn" movement -- which brings a real time strategy flavor to the classic turn based game.

More detail about the game here:
c0nflict.com
Partial Victory
All or Nothing
Off Turn Movement

For the technically inclined, c0nflict is a Java server using DWR for communication with its client. The server uses a technology known as comet to push events and route messages to the players, making the gameplay very interactive and exciting. (No more waiting hours or days for your opponents to move, and get another turn).