Ultimate Challenge with Chess1 map

[cavebear]

Spider - Perhaps I didn't explain the selection of civs very well.

In any of the maps, take the left column civs by number of players. For example, Chess1 can take 6 players, but does not require that number. If 2 players, take the first 2 civs; if 4 players, take the first 4 civs, etc.

Three players is awkward with the first map; I was thinking in even numbers then, for symmetry. If you try 3 players on that one, I suggest Rome/Greek/Egypt OR German/Babs/American.

Chess2 is sited for 4 players. Even so, 2 can play as long as they choose the first 2 civs (it will still be balanced) OR the 3rd and 4th civs. Just take the first 2 and name them whatever you choose, it's simpler. There is more room for naval activity than in Chess1.

Chess3 is designed for 3 players, though it will work with 2 (there will just be one island unoccupied). It is a more naval game and in fact requires naval advancement.

I'll email maps to anyone interested if they indicate a desire. Actually, I want people to learn the maps, so that the terrain is taken somewhat out of play. That's as close to a revealed map as I can manage so far witout giving players control over opponent cities.

[cavebear]

Spider - I can't email you the maps because your address isn't in your profile. But you can email me. Don't worry; I won't sell it. *s*

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[Spider]

Ok, Cavebear, I'll shoot you an e-mail. Thanks!

[Spider]

LOL, no problem. I can play today, too. Now, if Carnide happens to show up this afternoon, we'll be set.

[SmartFart]

Sorry for missing yestreday session.
I've choosed snooker with friends,hoping i'll come back home in time but i didn't.
Plus i took few more beers than i can handle

I am available today if you like.

[Spider]

Thanks for sending the maps, Cavebear, it would be great if everyone played using these maps. It would certainly take care of the unfair advantage that the host has from the start, and eliminate some potential cheating, as well.

I was wondering - How was Carnide able to start the game with the whole map visible. I can't figure that out. Carnide? Cavebear? Perhaps someone else knows?

Also, I notice that I can't tell the difference between this obviously contrived game and any other game (from the standpoint of joining a game.) Does that mean that any game I get into on the net could be a contrived position by some cheater? If that's the case, why isn't everyone using these maps?

Now, as for the game we started: Is there interest in continuing this game? Carnide? SF? I'm available most nights between 7pm and midnight, CST. Post a date if you want to continue, or post that you'd rather not, if that's the case.

[cavebear]

Spider - I think Carnide started his as a scenario. With those, you can use the cheat menu to set up what you want (well, that's almost the purpose of it). "Reveal map" is one of the options.

However, that caused some problems, so I did not make mine scenarios, just maps.

As far as knowing whether you are playing on a pre-made map or not, I'm afraid the answer is that you *can't* tell. Not if someone wanted to hide that fact, anyway. The ones I made are obviously artificial (the computer is never going to make geometrically symetrical lakes, for example), but I could make one that no one would recognize as pre-made. And I could certainly make one that would give all civs but one really awkward positions (but not enough to make anyone initially suspicious). And I would know which civ to select, too (how many people choose yellow or green civs?).

Cheating is easy. Fortunately, few players do. And far fewer can make maps. And I almost never host (dial-up modem). I should create one though, as an example.

But, yes, it is possible...

[arii]

The good thing with maps generated from scenarios is that it removes the randomness of the tech that you can research next. IMO you can always research monarchy 4th.