Early unhappiness

[Snotty]

Thanks for the tip anhalibut Ive played civ 4 since it came out and I only worked out how to whip like that yesterday

[Qwertqwert]

I go for Heriditary Rule, (which I'll go ahead and say if my favorite civic) as soon as possible so I don't have too many problems.

[Yosho]

Hered rule is a powerful tool, sure, but you don't always have to use it.

It's all based on the situation. Not founding a religion is ok, but once a religion starts to spread into your empire, you want to take advantage of it right away. Go for hereditary rule if you need it, but you won't always. Also, I'm willing to found pretty terrible cities in order to get happiness resources; I'll found horrible ice cap cities early just to get silver. There are pleanty of ways to get happiness in the game, you have options.

[couerdelion]

I rarely use Hereditary Rule and rely on religion, resources and whipping to help with unhappiness.

You'll can to get trade going to acquire more resources. If I acquire more than three myself I consider myself lucky. Alternative to trade is war.

Also remember to build the happiness modifier buildings (forge, markets being the main ones).

Then just whip or control growth.

For me HRule