Monarchy or Republic

[SlowwHand]

I saw it asked elsewhere, so I'll ask here.
What government path do you take?

"When I think back on all the crap I learned in "Civ School", it's a wonder I can think at all".

The general perception seems to be to beat street for Monarchy.
There are strategies nestled away in the Great Library of Apolyton, that talk of the first 20, or whatever the number is, advances one should strive for.
In a perfect illustration of, "If someone takes the time to write it, it must be true", people go to Monarchy.

I think it's much better to go for Republic first.
I'll give reasons, if necessary, later.

I'm just curious about what you think.

[DrSpike]

I always go for monarcy asap; the food advantage over despotism is marked, and republic takes longer to get. Also I feel a period of monarchy is advantageous before republic because of the support costs. I switch to republic when the trade advantage outweighs the extra support costs.

[sekong]

I'm replying not because I know the answer, but I was also thinking about it.
The true answer should be "depends".
In a duel, go for Monarchy.
In the long run, go for Republic.

In 1x product deity, I generally regret to go for Republic directly.
For 2x, I want to say go Republic, but not sure. If you can make "WLOPD", then go for it.

[War4ever]

the answer lies in what your land and or hut situation is.... as per usual......

[Ming]

I have to agree with War... it really depends on the situation you find yourself in a game... how many players, what rules...

In most games, I do race to Monarchy... but I mostly play Deity games on small worlds with double production. You need to take as much land as quickly as possible, and you will probably get into a fight or two

[Chris 62]

Like the Paul Simon reference, Sloww, but to get to the question:

In the last few games we played, 2x1x King on medium world, you seemed to have a slight edge with republic, while I had larger empires with more wonders, but as AD approached, I was scrambling to get Republic.

In 1x1x games, I think Monarchy is the way to go, and in 2x (unless, as Ming said, it's a small world) go Republic.

[SlowwHand]

If by duels, you mean get horses and launch a blitz with no intent of anything resembling building a Civilization, that's not Civ to me.

I find that going to Republic opens more possibilities, in almost any situation.
Certainly one has to adapt to the existing game.

[sekong]

Elephant instead of horse. Or sometimes archers in 2X games.

[ColdWizard]

i usually go for monarchy first, except for those times when i try to use oedo years. by the time i remember to revolt i have republic....

[EyesOfNight]

Anything with 1x movement you should go republic. If it's deity you'll obviously have to go monarchy. On 2x2x it's best to go monarchy unless you're on a big map, then go republic as well. The only time I go monarchy is on 2x2x small map duels.

[SlowwHand]

I started to say except for Deity, but didn't; because I decided yes, even Deity.
As long as you can produce settlers to keep your population down, and adjust luxuries if required, even Deity would probably be ok.
Going Republic you don't study Burial, so expand.

I've just always been so locked in to Monarchy is the way it's supposed to be, that I never until recently tried a straight shot to Republic.
Going Republic you are put nearer to other advances quicker.

As I said, I'm just bouncing this off you all.

[EyesOfNight]

You have no choice but to go monarchy on Deity. By the time you reach 7 cities or so the riot factor will kick in and your cities will start getting mad at size 1 or even -1 or lower.

[SlowwHand]

So if it comes to that point, and not to Republic yet, you take on Burial?
By that time you would be just as close, assuming you hit no huts that give you advances that screw you all up.

Which is another question.
When to hit huts.

[DrSpike]

Just to clarify slowwhand, you aim straight for republic even in deity games with 1x1x? I have to agree with enigmaticgod I have always felt a period of monarchy to be necessary in deity games, at least with 1x1x. It's great that you are questioning received wisdom though, you are certainly making me think.

[War4ever]

i like to take the path to monarchy as a safety net just in case huts screw me....... like EG stated..... if you take too long on deity to get a better govt....or you expand like a demon you run the risk of rioting....happens to me almost every game that i don't get at least one good trade special no matter what path i take