Any thoughts?

[dojoboy]

Its 1752 AD, and I (Zululand) have a 107 pt. lead over India (1377 to 1270) on Regent level. My first real shot at winning on Regent.

In the early game, I deposed of the Chinese and Russians which really shot my score up. The Greeks are happy with about five cities which are now an enclave within my lands. I wittled the Aztecs down to the size of the Greeks, which allowed me to move from a 30 pt. lead to 107 over India.

My concern is spaceship victory is enabled and India has maintained a shifting 3 - 5 tech lead over me, nothing significant in regards to military (both have cavalry), but Ghandi is killing me in GWs (about 9 - 3) and culture rating. One of my conquered Chinese cities tried to join India but was rebuffed (a first for me). My science moves from 10 - 20% w/ nothing allocated for entertainment. I'm in Republic (no democracy yet) and India is in Democracy.

My only plan is to wait and see what happens, because India and I are very polite towards one another. In fact, we now have a MPP and trade luxuries often. The plan is to keep transports (when I get them) loaded with solid units and drop them off by India's capital. Fortunately, it is one square away from a shoreline. This move, in the event of severely following behind in the space race, would be unexpected by India because of our existing friendship. Other options?

I am planning to knock off the Aztecs because they would definitely vote against at the UN. The Greeks? Awfully friendly, but I would be too if surrounded by an empire.

EDIT: My expenses (mainly military) are too high to increase my science rating. I'm quickly building improvements. Maintining a treasury of about 500 gold w/ roughly 25 - 40 gold per turn.

 

[ButSam80]

Build the Wall Street small wonder (prereq: 5 banks in cities), which allows you interest on your treasury money. Also, build banks (prereq: Banking; Marketplace in the city) and Marketplace (prereq: Currency) in every city. After doing that, you should be able to increase your science output. Consider adding scientists, and make sure you have built Libraries, Universities in every city. If you have a city producing good science, build Newton's University there (if nobody else has). That should help you get caught up. Also build Copernicus' Observatory there, if possible. The downside is they only affect the city they are built in, so usually the AI lingers around before building them--so build it in your best science-producing city that has a reasonable production rate. Those are what you need to catch back up scientifically. I'm sure there's more, but I've got to run off to class; I'll try to think of other ways and get back to you if I have more suggestions!

 

[Arrian]

Sounds like your economy is in pretty bad shape. It will take you a while to fix it up, and then you may be able to catch India in tech.

Important questions:

1) Does India have replaceable parts (Infantry)?
2) Where is India in relation to you (same continent or across the ocean)

If the answer to #1 is no, even if India is across the ocean, attack. You're the Zulu, for God's sake! Target their luxuries and other resources... but luxuries in particular. That will hurt them. Bring settlers along, because you're gonna want to raze 'n rebuilt (you said their culture was better, right?). Keep Wonders that are still active. You will need lots of troops... but hopefully the fighting will get you a great leader or two, which you can use to rushbuild a wonder or a forbidden palace, if you don't already have one.

-Arrian

 

[chiefpaco]

Originally posted by dojoboy

I'm in Republic (no democracy yet) and India is in Democracy.

...
The plan is to keep transports (when I get them) loaded with solid units and drop them off by India's capital. Fortunately, it is one square away from a shoreline. This move, in the event of severely following behind in the space race, would be unexpected by India because of our existing friendship. Other options?

I am planning to knock off the Aztecs because they would definitely vote against at the UN. The Greeks? Awfully friendly, but I would be too if surrounded by an empire.

EDIT: My expenses (mainly military) are too high to increase my science rating. I'm quickly building improvements. Maintining a treasury of about 500 gold w/ roughly 25 - 40 gold per turn.

Here's my advice, for whatever it's worth...

I am assuming a cultural victory is out of the question & domination & conquest are not what you're going for.

Your transport plan is a good one. I've had to do the same myself before. Destroying their cap does wreck the SS. However, if that's all you do, it won't hold them off forever. You will need to build your own before they can rebuild. I'm not sure if destroying the Apollo wonder forces them to rebuild that or not, but you will get a huge jump this way. In a similar game of mine, which happened to be GOTM5, I was able to end all our trade agreements before attacking, which did help my reputation. However, be sure to end the war quickly. Being the aggressor & shipping units overseas will start war weariness real quick. Also, declare war before moving your units in to avoid the black mark.

If you can keep anyone from building the SS, you could be on your way to a Histograph victory.

If the Greeks love you (& aren't crazy about India), you could dispose of the Aztecs & go for a diplomatic win. However, the culture rating worries me about where their vote would go.

One more comment, from MHO. Your economy looks more suited for a Monarchy than a Republic to me. Your large military would then be subsidized. You're not going for a tech lead, so the extra gold for that doesn't seem necessary. Forget about the Universities & Colosseums & lead a full-scale assault on India for the game!

 

[dojoboy]

Arrian --- India does not have replaceable parts, and we share a large border now that I picked up a few Aztec cities, on a pangea. You're right, I'm definitely gonna have to raze India's cities when conflict comes.

ButSam80 --- Right about Wall Street. That is something within my reach right away. Good idea.

 

[dojoboy]

chiefpaco --- I like it. I do not believe the Greeks would vote for me. I have considered doing away w/ them and the Aztecs. Your advice about switching to monarch is interesting. I didn't consider the benefits just the negatives for research, which I'm not going to get with my current situation.

I wish I could have a result for you soon, but I'm leaving town tomorrow for the NCAA wrestling championships and will not get back until Sunday. I doubt I can wrap things up tonight. We'll see. You guys are a big help. Thanks.