Trading Territory Maps

[Divine Wind]

I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on trading territory maps with neighbors. Good idea? Stupid?

In monarch, I have noticed that they tend to ask for it (or demand it) before they invade you. So I have steered clear from giving it out. The only time I gave it out was with Russia, who was my northern nieghbor. At the time I was about to roll my army into China to the south. Fearing an invasion from the demanding Russians, I gave them my territory map. Next turn they declared war and caught me with my army on the wrong side of my country I'm thinking that's the last time it gets out!

 

[island007]

I like it. It gives me intel for my next conquest. You are right in that they will use it against you, if you do not take advantage of it first.

 

[civOphile]

When they offer to exchange maps take your map off the table and only offer them gold for their maps if you can afford it that is - or get their map as part of a trade for lux, ersources or techs.

The first time it can be expensive if theres a lot of stuff in their terrirory you dont have a map of such as new roads or railroads etc.

After this you can buy their map for 1GP every couple of rounds. If the price of their map suddenly goes up allot then you know they have found something new, usually happens with world maps when they discover a new island.

In short this means they wont be sure of the layout of your land and are less likely to invade and if they do you have a nice complete street directory to help your invading armies. It also means that if you do eventually decide to sell your map its worth alot.

I have sold territory maps for 12gpt and world maps for a lot more. Usually only do this when i'm real short of cash (not very often) or am in a position where i WANT them to declare war on me so i can invade them and get a few extra turns in Democracy before war wearieness starts to kick in.

I am currently playing at emperor level and will probably move up the last notch for my next game as i didnt have too much trouble with last one.

 

[Hawkster]

My rules are

1.Never trade maps during the early expansion phase - the AI will beeline for any unoccupied territory after the trade

2.Dont trade maps if you are millitarilly much weaker - as per the previous comments - but the AI will declare war anyway if it is going to - it seems to me that the map trade won't make any difference.

3.Do trade maps if you are stronger and have no unclaimed land - get what you can for them - trading maps is also a reasonable method of keeping other civs from getting too annoyed and declaring war (even giving them as gifts sometimes)

 

[SirJethro]

Early on, when I'm a little behind and my map is waaaaay behind, I will trade many civs individually for their territory maps, instead of giving up a ton for a world map. The territory maps fill in my world map, and then I can buy the remainder relatively cheaply.

 

[civOphile]

I use this strategy as well. It works well and even if only a few trade maps it will give you an idea of what sort of a world you are in pangea, contenents etc.

 

[Dragonlord]

I like the sound of these restrictive strategies...but on other threads it was stated that the AI cheated and knew the complete world map anyway, thus making it smarter to sell your maps for whatever you can get.
Does anyone definitely know which is correct?

 

[Sukenis]

Boy do I feel strange. I will give a copy of my territory map any time I start a deal with the AI and do not wish to complete to deal I hoped for. This was the AI does not get annoyed with me for bothering them for no reason. I trade maps all the time as well. Normally I have the largest map once map making is discovered and i trade it for cash and techs. I am only on monarchy difficulty though. Should I change this before I go to a higher difficulty?