I think we may also be floundering a bit for direction as this game is quite different, so it seems harder to figure out what it is we need to test? Any suggestions in how to improve this?
Maybe this is the source of my discomfort. Neil did a good job of putting us out of our comfort zone

. I'm also out of my zone with this AP beeline... I almost never do it, so I have no feel for the trade-offs (e.g. do we need the mids to get a GE in time).
I guess the best thing we can do is keep the ideas flowing and discuss them thoroughly. Also, I think posting good pre-turn plans will help us stay focused on which decisions need to be made.
leif said:
Curious why when we can found the city 1N and 1 NE of the Gems, chop the forest into a Monument and have more production to build units or ships?
So given the desire to make gem city coastal, I think we should go with leif's suggestion (site 2 in the original dot map). I think it is a better site than 1N of gems, although it will need a chopped monument to become productive (unless we get that religion spread z mentioned). Initially I was worried about health, but with the resource we have, I think we can support 5 citizens (I can't open the game, can someone confirm?) This would allow us to work pigs, gems, and three mined hills.
Undecided said:
For example, Toku has BW now for ~20 Turns and metal units (or chariots for that matter) are nowhere to be seen.
Good observation. If you are right about this, we might consider taking a rush at him. I wish we could scout his land. Can we snoop around his borders, maybe climb some hills?
CP said:
Indeed, and an axe rush on Japan should still be considered in Vanilla. Is it a non-starter in BtS?
I'm not sure. Rushing in BtS is definitely harder because the AIs will whip defenders. If Undecided is right about metal and horses, then this may yet be an option. My comment was mostly based on the need to divert hammers into Oracle, Mids, and AP. Typically, axe rush requires single minded buildup of axemen (whipped, chopped, etc.) with no hammers diverted to wonders or buildings (other than Rax).
CP said:
...and would add an axe or two.
The more I think about it, the more I like it. Building a few axes serves several purposes. We increase our power which might discourage a Togu DOW. If he does DOW, we are ready. It also leaves the possibility of an Axe rush open.
leif said:
Hope you have a good trip.
Just occurred to me, I'm almost in your neck of the woods. I am in Hartford tonight and tomorrow night, then making stops at Stamford, Weehawken, Jersey City and Princeton over the week on my way back to Philly. I was pleasantly surprised to find no snow when I drove up today.