Sorry but I'm a newbie at multiplayer. Played last night, saw players commenting to each other and inquiring of me in upper right of screen through "instant messaging", but could not figure out how to reply or communicate with them. I had not yet been "discovered" in the game itself as I was stuck on an island. Did I not have something checked on startup that allowed me to IM people? I noticed word "balloons" next to civ listings/names in upper right? Don't want people to think I'm rude! Thanks!

The word ballons need to be checked (so if they are checked they aren't empy) for others to see your type. To type press the tilde ~ button.

Great... thanks! What's the best type of games to look for (best running, fastest, etc.) Classic, Regicide, Elimination? Just curious what most people are using and having best success with?

I say go for simultaneous as your turn option, and as for game options, in my opinion anything besides elimination is a good choice.

I'd also say Si-move is your best bet.

Or pbems ;)