Best way to cripple opponents tech gains?

[TyranusBonehead]

If I want to make sure an opponent doesn't get ahead of me in the tech race, what is the best way to do this? I've been ahead so far, and very stingy in selling or giving away techs. I'm concerned because an opponent has just researched Theory of Evolution, which should give them a scientific great age.

 

[Mordack]

destroy them....

honestly, what level are you playing on? I can't remember the last time the AI beat me to ToE

 

[TyranusBonehead]

Destroying is always an option, but I wanted to hear other ideas too.

I'm playing warlord....I know I know, don't say it...I'm still learning this game, and often go back to warlord to play around with new concepts I haven't dealt with yet, like espionage.

 

[Pentium]

Sing MA's, make them fight eachother. Their tech rate drops, and you should be ably to overtake them. Once you're ahead, it's easier.

 

[Tomoyo]

Sell them techs for gpt.

 

[Mordack]

understood....

I find that the AI will always go down certain tech paths, for example they will always go for chivalry and facism

moving to chemistry and electricity during these key times will allow you to control techs that no one else has - then you can pay broker with several AI's that have the same techs

also, stop building the Great Library (if you do, that is)- I did this and immediately improved my trading skills

EDIT: oops, sorry I also missed the part about you being ahead

 

[Pentium]

Oh, I missed the part that you're ahead of them. Then just do what Tomoyo said.

 

[Brain]

At warlord you really shouldn't have trouble with keeping up as long as you make enough cash. The usual things apply such as roading your tiles, keeping your maintenance and unit support as low as possible, and so forth. From around half of the middle ages onwards you should be able to get a tech every 4 turns.

 

[Turner]

Sell them techs for gpt.

This is really your best bet. Every time you get a tech, sell it to them for GPT. This will seriously hinder their scientific growth. As well as take cash from them. I've found when I'm doing this they tend to have less cash for upgrading, so when I do go to war I have an easier time. Even if I have tech parity.

Make sure you sell to all AIs tho, because if you don't then the first AI you sold to will turn around and sell it to the other AIs.

 

[Beorn-eL-Feared]

Make sure you buy luxuries when they have just 1 extra, since the luxury trade helps them a lot, and you don't want it to happen. MA's is a great great way, like Pentium said. gpt also helps.

 

[Own]

Sell 4000 for 200 gpt (or any equivelant combo of this) and the AI will lower their science slider to make up for the 200 gpt they lost. They won't keep the slider there spending their money, they don't like to do that. Plus, you'll get 200 gpt, which would help quite a bit.

 

[The_Unforgiven]

From around half of the middle ages onwards you should be able to get a tech every 4 turns.

You manage to do this on warlord, or on all levels?

 

[Ansar]

You manage to do this on warlord, or on all levels?

I think he ment on Warlord.

 

[Himalia]

Hard to say that is possible on all levels, i would be disapointed if i didt achive that. A tech lead is so important.

 

[Brain]

No, I meant on Warlord, and I meant 4 turn tech pace, not just tech lead. On higher levels I can achieve a tech lead early, but the 4 turn pace comes only later because of higher tech costs.

 

[Ansar]

I played a domination game, and during the middle ages, every single tech was 4 turns.

 

[Tomoyo]

I played a breakneck Space game and I couldn't get 4 turns ever.

 

[Turner]

I've gotten the tech per four turns on monarch, easy.

 

[The_Unforgiven]

I am terribly unable to do it on SID, hence my question... Dunno about my chances for it on Emperor though. Gonna try it TODAY.

 

[Choffy]

If you are really ahead in tech (2 techs or more), learn to wait to sell your tech.
If AIs don't have money, wait 5 / 10 turns to sell your tech. If only one AI has money, it is up to you based on the money you need and what can offer you an AI.
It will also help you a lot for building key wonders (hoover...).