Balancing expanision and attack

[jc011]

i need some help with some strategies, i just want to hear what your particular strategies are for your expansion and attacking techniques. I am aware of the Academy of War but i want to hear other opinions.

When i start out a new game, i will try to expand as fast a possible, building settlers after the defender, but if i just concentrate on building settlers, my defence will be very weak, not to even mention attacking, in my usual game i won't even attack most of the time.

 

[Dutchgael]

Often a Settler is the first unit I build in a new city. Of course, when AI/barbarian armies are near, I need some military too. But if I can, I expand as quickly as possible.

After a while I get "inner" cities and "outer" cities. Inner cities are those that start building Improvements, Wonders, Military, etc.
Outer cities have good terrain nearby, and continue building Settlers.

 

[starlifter]

You can use the excellent search engine to help pull up specific examples of what you're interested in. Maybe some of these links might help:

Democracy at War:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=843&highlight=democracy

My "Power Democracy":
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=854&highlight=democracy

Democracy vs. Communism discussion:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=790&highlight=Democracy

Here is an ongoing succession game, with download examples:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4510&highlight=democracy

Here is a GOTM6 link, with download examples:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5838&highlight=democracy

Here is a GOTM8 link, with download examples:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5145&highlight=democracy

 

[starlifter]

When i start out a new game, i will try to expand as fast a possible, building settlers after the defender, but if i just concentrate on building settlers, my defence will be very weak, not to even mention attacking, in my usual game i won't even attack most of the time.

Personally, I like the strategy you stated. That's how I try to get my games to go. Diplomats (and about 100g in the treasury) are key for my early defense, too.

There are lots of other good strategies, too. For instance, if you don't plan an early Republic, or a mid-game democracy, then Monarchy/Communism is a good combo... build lots of units, and use the GL and dips/spies to steal any science you desire.

The links in my prior post will provide lots of my own ideas, which are often good, but are not the best for all situations. In fact, crushing your enemies with Stealth vs. Warriors is not even particularly "fun" (as in GOTM 8)... for me, the "funnest" games are when the outcome is somewhat in doubt, like when I stay in Monarchy, never use Fundy, don't crush the AI with a Power Democracy, and pretty much keep in Communism. And really entertaining modern wars can develop that way!