Core vs ICS: How many in the Core?

[IvanDolvich2]

I've been learning alot after participating in my first COTM. I have seen that most of the really competent player do a REX to conquest and then ICS like crazy.

My question is what is a good number for core cities (spaced better to use 12 tiles or more if you are going to sanitation) and then the start of ICS spam.

I usually play on large maps or standard size maps.

I know that this is really a question of corruption: how many semi-productive cities (say to the 40%) range before I reach totally corrupt.

So what I'm looking for is a rough rule of thumb.

Thanks

 

[TheOverseer714]

Usually, I have about 6-8 core cities spaced in a loose CXXC pattern, then a semicore of about 10-12 cities in a tight CXXC, from there, if I have the settlers, I will use ICS>

 

[IvanDolvich2]

Usually, I have about 6-8 core cities spaced in a loose CXXC pattern, then a semicore of about 10-12 cities in a tight CXXC, from there, if I have the settlers, I will use ICS>

So then 16-20 in your Core/semi-core? then the rest ICS?

 

[TheOverseer714]

Pretty much Sometimes a nearby enemy capital isn't totally corrupt, due to its early settlement date. I might build a courthouse there.

 

[Aabraxan]

So then 16-20 in your Core/semi-core? then the rest ICS?

That sounds about right. If you use CA2, you can check corruption levels, which should help you decide where courthouses are worthwhile.

 

[TheOverseer714]

With a Commercial tribe, the zones are a little larger, you have a small reduction in corruption. Map size matters too, a Small or Tiny map has smaller zones, a Large or Huge map has correspondingly large zones. Some of it is variable and comes with varying factors, which you learn by playing.

 

[AutomatedTeller]

You could go with a rule of thumb of seeing when you get the forbidden palace notice, you are about 1/2 to the number of productive cities you can get without courts (if you get the FP). These are your core.

You might choose to later rush courts in some of the cities beyond that if they have serious commerce bonuses or something and a court will change them from 90% corrupt to 60% or something.

 

[IvanDolvich2]

Thanks AT, el al.
This discussion has really helped. I appreciate it a lot.
I know that in many ways it boils down to a corruption issue, but the equations in the Corruption War Academy article are a little to much for me to translate into good game guidelines. So the experience that you all have is very helpful.