How do you calculate "maximum city size"?

[Ilkuul]

I feel almost embarrassed to be asking this question in such exalted company (not yet having won an OCC game at Deity level with any size city!) - but my attempts at OCC at lower levels have been a very useful learning experience for me, as I've tended to play 'rough and ready' in the past, never bothering too much about micromanagement (as you might already have guessed!).

In several places the Paulicy talks about growing your city to maximum size, but presumably that differs according to surrounding terrain. Is it simply equal to half the total food produced, after support for settlers/engineers is deducted? And how much food surplus should be allowed for (bearing pollution and enemy/barbarian incursions in mind)?

I'd be very grateful for some pointers from the experts in this area!

[This message has been edited by Ilkuul (edited April 17, 2001).]

[Paul]

Basically, as you said. Just take the maximum food output (after all land is upgraded and supermarket/harbor have been built) and divide by 2. You don't need a food surplus, although it is nice to have some food in the box to prevent starvation in case of a temporary food shortage. Two engineers can clean pollution in one turn, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[Ilkuul]

Heel hartelijk bedankt, Paul! (My wife is Dutch...) I appreciate your taking to time to help us struggling beginners out.