Carolingian
Chieftain
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2007
- Messages
- 14
Does everyone beeline Bronzeworking? Is it really that importnta a tech
I do. Bronze working is the single most valuable tech in the game imho. Starting with mining is a welcome boon.
Would or should you quit if you find that you have a Protective neighbor (in which case an axe rush for the capital could be prohibitive) or have no bronze nearby?
Protective is a pain in the butt, but it's not invincible, it merely slows your down. It depends on how good your production is. If I have no bronze nearby I usually beeline iron working or construction. Definitely construction, if I have elephants.
Indeed, it seems rather obvious that this would be the case. Not only does the "win" condition require a close Copper AND a close enemy capital, it ALSO requires that the Copper be closer to you or at least not so close to the enemy that he doesn't claim it before you can. It's a pretty small subset of scenarios, IMO, playing mostly Continents or Fractal at Normal Speed and size.
I usually play the same settings as you do (no "balanced resources"), and very often (roughly two in three starts) I do get close copper and a close enough target. In those conditions, it's very tempting to rush the enemy capital and gain the all-important early advantage. If the potential target is aggressive you absolutely have to rush it before it grows too strong.
If the case is in doubt, then a simple series of start tests would suffice! Simply start a series of games, and count the instances in which an Axe Rush would be the best method for winning.
From my own personal experience, I have to agree with the OP: axe rushing is definitely the best way to gain the crucial early advantage over the AI. I can think of no other better way. Game starts with copper and close targets get definitely easier in the long run.