1st big multiplayer game questions

[apanz8bj]

I have 5-6 people playing civ4 later this week, curious whats a good size map. Only 2 of us have played before.(We only have probably a good 4 or 5 hours). Any recommendations on speed setting, or map style, size?
any input is appreciated
thanks

[Fleme]

Standard (maybe even Small)
Normal Game Speed
Pangaea

Larger than Standard will make the game slower due to distance, slower than Normal will make the game last too long for your timeframe and anything where all the players aren't in the same continent will lead to isolationist strategies and possibly no interaction before Astronomy, so Pangaea is the best choice.

That's how I'd go about it.

[Theben]

It depends if you are planning to attack each other or have a "gentlemen's agreement" to only attack AIs. Often new players will prefer to have more experienced players leave them alone long enough to get used to the game. In that case you should pick a larger map with a lot of civs.

Unless you devote a whole day to the game you won;t finish anyway, so don't worry about that.