I play Warlord/Emperor, and I always play with No Tech trading on. It seems to me that trading with AI is exploiting. And you are often research techs you don't need, just to trade.

Also, if no trading, wouldn't Settling a GP better than LB it?

What do you guys think?

My question is - if you have that option on, can the other AI civs still trade with each other or no?

Because if no, then frankly I think it makes for a much easier game (almost cheating) for the human.

edit to clarify: If you don't want to trade with the AI just... don't (ok diplo modifier blah blah but that doesn't seem your concern here). If you turn that off and the AI can't trade amongst themselves you've made it much easier on yourself.

I'm all for a difference of opinion, and I'd like you to explain yours in a little more detail.

In particular, I'd like an explanation of

It seems to me that trading with AI is exploiting.

The game of Civ IV is one that hinges on many aspects (which is why we all love it so much), and two of these factors are trading and diplomacy (which are interrelated, of course).

Unless you don't accept that trading is part of the game, I'd like to hear your explanation on how exactly trading techs with the AI is exploiting?

Cheers,

-P-

I guess the OP is relating to how humans can pull off 2 for 1's 3 for 1's and so on.
I suggest you try no tech whoring then, that prevents you or the AI from trading any tech not researched on your own.

The human player can abuse much much more features than just tech trading. It can abuse war, it can abuse surprise DoWs because the computer cannot rely on your attitude towards itself, it can abuse a lot of things. That's why the AI gets bonuses with difficulty levels.

So my advice is: play with the system you're offered, and if you think it's too easy, up the difficulty =)

I must say that there are two exceptions, though:
- the broken, buggy, exploitable stuff. I've read that before a certain patch, you could actually lightbulb an infinite number of techs out of a Great Person. That should obviously not be used, because it was not intended.
- stuff that you think will likely be changed in an upcoming patch, e.g. the Apostolic Palace's victory condition ^^

Otherwise, play to your strengths. That's why the AI gets bonuses.

Also, if no trading, wouldn't Settling a GP better than LB it?

The lightbulb does lose a lot of its value if you can't trade techs, but it still has use if there is some benefit to getting to a tech first or getting an expensive important tech earlier (like Civil Service).

For example, a settled scientist or Academy will produce more beakers long term, but lightbulbing Philo can ensure you found Taoism and/or build Angkor Wat. I mention this example because my no tech trading games have all been Always War, and this is a good way to ensure you get the benefits of religion.

My question is - if you have that option on, can the other AI civs still trade with each other or no?



I always assume that civs can't trade with each other when "no tech trading" is on. Now think about it, they probably do still trade with each other.

No, NO tech trade mean no tech trade. AI civs can not trade to.

My question is - if you have that option on, can the other AI civs still trade with each other or no?

Because if no, then frankly I think it makes for a much easier game (almost cheating) for the human.

edit to clarify: If you don't want to trade with the AI just... don't (ok diplo modifier blah blah but that doesn't seem your concern here). If you turn that off and the AI can't trade amongst themselves you've made it much easier on yourself.

Why is that? If a human and AI starts off with everything equal. Shouldn't they be able to keep up?

Well, no, because the point is: you're human, and can think. They're AIs and can only be automated so much. That's why they get bonuses.

I guess the OP is relating to how humans can pull off 2 for 1's 3 for 1's and so on.
I suggest you try no tech whoring then, that prevents you or the AI from trading any tech not researched on your own.

I like the no tech brokering option, and play with it enabled ritualistically.

The 'human' player can achieve 2 or 3 for 1, but it's usually not a very lopsided trade - trading e.g. Monarchy for a few early techs e.g. Fishing + Hunting is hardly a one-sided deal even if it is 2-for-1.

If the reference is to trading the same tech (e.g. Monarchy) to several Civs for different other techs...well I'm sure the computer does this also. Again, I don't see this as one-sided.