Should I intentionally give up living space to the AI?

[Genghis_Sean]

Here's my situation: I'm on the westernmost side of a continent with some unclaimed land between the AIs to the east and more unclaimed land to the southwest. I've already developed 6-7 cities, and I could easily build more cities to the east. If I do not, my enemies surely will. However, with each city that I build, I have to lower my research rate further to get out of the red.

The first time I played this game, I intentionally did not expand either to the east or the southwest. I concentrated on grabbing the religious techs and completing the buildings and wonders I needed. I came out ahead in the tech race for a while, but the computer grabbed the land. Later, the computer seemed to rapidly catch up to me in technology despite the fact that I was at 80-90% science. Perhaps going for some of the more expensive techs allowed them to catch up or is it always this way on Prince? I didn't have enough military units and Alexander launched a large attack and took my capital, and I quit.

I'm about to replay that game and pay more attention to my military. I could easily grab some of this unclaimed land before my opponents do this time around. The question is: should I? I could probably build another five cities that would otherwise be founded by the Chinese. I'm just worried that it will cripple my economy, but it doesn't seem to bother the Chinese. Any advice?

 

[spiceant]

its not about the 100% science its the actual science you generate, a few citys generate a lot more science then your capitol

 

[KrikkitTwo]

Yeah grabbing the few cities may lower your total research for a while but as soon as the cities develop, they will be worth it.

 

[scienide09]

If you already plan to improve your military, why not send a few units into that unclaimed land to reserve some key resources.
While this won't necessarily prevent the AI from claiming some of that open space, it may deter the other civs from moving in before you have a chance to build up your own economy enough to expand.

The other option would be to spread your first few cities to that open land in the first place, and leave the land closer to your own borders for later expansion. While spreading your civ out early in the game will make it harder to defend, roads and your improved military will help counter the greater distance.

 

[jeremiahrounds]

I only cramp the AI if there are resources to be had or if you plan on fighting anyway or if i need space. If i dont need space and were not talking about critical resources and i dont plan on fighting anyway i often give the AI room.

 

[anton_z1]

What about You chop all the trees and get some cities. You research would be lover for some turns, but this would be compensated later.