Why mines giving +0 Shields Irrigation +0 Food???

[Javiar]

I have not played this game in a long time, but I don't understand why my improvements are not doing anything. I build a mine on a hill next to a city, but it still only gives 2 shields. I build an irrigation on some planes, but it still only gives 2 food.

Is it just for the stone age? Or do I need a certain tech? Whats the deal? Roads are giving +1 commerce though at least

 

[Everkane]

Under Despotism, every tile which would gives you more than 2 of a resource will give you -1 instead.

 

[MrRandomGuy]

Your government is Despotism when you start out. You will need to switch to another government in order to remove the penalty. These do require researching techs, which are all the same name as the government type.

The other forms of government are Republic, Monarchy, Feudalism, Fascism, Communism, and Democracy. Each have their own strengths and weaknesses so read about them before switching to them and use one which best fits your style of playing.

 

[Theov]

Despo has the penalty, that if you have 3 or more shields, commerce or science, 1 will be subtracted. So 1=1, 2=2, 3=2, 4=3, 5=4 etc.
If you're improving and growing, get out of Despotism asap.

 

[Lanzelot]

It's in the documentation. But this question keeps getting asked since 2001...

 

[knight508]

Under Despotism, every tile which would gives you more than 2 of a resource will give you -1 instead.

This with the exception of building on a special resource. If you place a mine on hilly iron you will get a shield bonus, albeit not to the fullest, but at least over 2. Same applies for food.

 

[Everkane]

This with the exception of building on a special resource. If you place a mine on hilly iron you will get a shield bonus, albeit not to the fullest, but at least over 2. Same applies for food.

If you read properly, I said "you will get -1". It means if you would get 5, you will only get 4 under despotism.