Newbie question re how to start trading

[Creosote]

Hi there

I'm 2 days into the game, and totally baffled by trading.
I cant seem to trade with anyone. Ive been through the manual, and the in-game help, but must be missing something very simple and obvious.

For example, in my current game I am next to the Germans. I have a road from my Capital (Paris) to their capital (Berlin) and according to the manual that is what I need to trade.
When I look at my Trade Advisor screen it shows Germany in a column to trade with. I have "excess" (I mean goods where I have multiple entries)goods along the top line of that display. Yet I cant find any way to actually start the trade. I am friendly with the Germans and when I initiate contact with the German leader and choos ethe option to make an offer all my assets such as science, cities, money etc are listed on the right side of the screen, but no trade goods.

Please put me out of my misery!


I'm enjoying the game but even on the starting difficulty of Chieftan I am REALLY struggling, I guess there is a learning curve of which I am right at the bottom

 

[Ginger_Ale]

You can't trade resources to them that they have. Do they have the resource you are trying to trade?

PS: Try reading the articles in the War Academy for some good strategies, especially cracker's Opening Plays Article. The opening of the game is very important.

Also, if you can give us a save to look at (attach it to your post or upload it here and give us the link to it once you view the uploads folder and right click your save and say "copy shortcut" and paste the link), we can help you even more!

 

[Creosote]

Thanks for the offer of help.

I *think* I have uploaded the save to my webspace, here:
savegame

 

[nullspace]

Yep, the only things you have to offer are iron and wines, and the Germans already have both, so there's nothing you can trade. If the Germans ever build roads to their extra dyes, then you'd be able to buy those. Otherwise, build a harbor and hope the other civs build one too, then you'll be able to trade with people on other islands.

 

[Creosote]

Ah right, thanks, I understand now.