I don't really understand why 1N1E could be stronger than A1. Of course, it has more grasstiles, but it cannot work as a helper city for capital, which can use the cottages together. A1 shares 3 green spots an is a bit more expensive, has more problems in term of border pressure, and when Constantinople falls, it shares grassland tiles again... it feels like the longterm-advantage comes very late... can you explain why 1N1E could be strongest on mid-longterm, when there's no copper? What would be your preferred long-term setting?
Yes, that's a fair point, your A1 spot is a stronger helper, which is relevant !
Moscow is still size 2, right ?
Starting on the Barracks is a good move. There is a chance hammers would be lost if you started on a warrior and went settler -> settler.
Size 3 next turn. 2 chops give you a settler in 5 turns ---> you don't need to improve the second ivory for now. You can chop riverside grassland instead to get that speedy settler and prepare for cottage tiles.
Given the location of copper,
No-Food-Horses drastically lose in value.
If there aren't any more food sources to be seen, I'd consider the following options (always good to consider, even if to decide against) :
- 2 cities Axeman rush (Justinian seems like a good target : close by)
- extra settler tries to grab the cows by England. That city would need some culture eventually. Some amount of roads would also help set grab it faster.
X-post : yes, Constantinople best target. Logistics say so and not AGG/PRO leader. Checking AIs for units is also a good idea at some point ("Soon our numberless Archers will destroy you").
I see you didn't complete the second camp, well played !
Now you can if you grow Moscow to 4 or you can chop the second settler still at size ". (not sure of Moscow's status)
You can send 1 worker improve the corn and 1 worker remains by Moscow, if you go for the 3 cities line. If 2 cities line, both workers should improve St Petersburg, probably.
corn vs copper first depends on the timing of your Barracks in Moscow. Probably copper first, yes ?
Barracks first in St Petersburg if 2 cities line. If 3 cities, improve corn first, grow to size 2, chop worker.
Choices are a good thing to have
To me, the question is : are you operating from 2 or 3 cities, here ?
If you go 2 cities, a 3rd worker may still be worth it, if only to chop harder. In that case, timings, again, matter. Moscow at size 4 can provide the worker. Corn may be best improved first.