Why do I keep losing the #*@#! connection to the host?

[Rick Elkins]

After getting tired of always beating the AIs, I wanted to try playing with humans, so I clicked multiplayer and selected the Activision server in California, which seems to attract the most people. I started a game with 1 person, and played non-stop for hours.The game was just getting really interesting when I got a message that the connection to the host was lost, and just like that, the game was over. All that time and effort lost. I couldn't even return to the lobby, but had to restart the CTP software. By the time I got back to the lobby, my partner was gone, as was my game. In fact, all the games seemed to be gone, and there was no one there. And, no, I hadn't saved the game. I don't even know how to while still playing in multiplayer.

Today, I decided to try again. By now, I had learned how to chat during the game, and was really having a good game, when after a couple of hours, the same "lost connection to the host" message came up again. And again, a lost game, and no sign of my fellow player.

So why do you think I keep losing the connection? And is it possible to keep saving as one plays multiplayer without breaking up the game? This has been so frustrating, so if anyone has advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Swissy]

I seems to me that the reason you keep losing connection to the host is that the host is leaving the game. He is either becoming disconnected or quitting the game. Two hours is enough time in a 2 player game to determine which player is playing a better game. Consider your position and game situation at the time the connection was lost; were you significantly ahead, did your opponent just lose a stack of units trying to take your city, did you just get a crucial wonder like Edison Lab? There are some players who just won't congratulate you on a game well played and concede.

Also, the california server sometimes blinks out, so does the gateway server. Use the servers with alot of players to find an opponent then go to one of the litle used servers to play, like US1, US2 and US3.

[Rick Elkins]

Thanks for the advice, Swissy.

Actually, in both cases, I was the host (I started the game), and in the middle of making ordinary moves (like moving a unit) the window telling me that host was lost popped up, and the game froze. I could move the hand/cursor and see the board, but the game was no longer functional. I then received a window "returning to lobby", but was unable to return. Doesn't this sound like problems with the server?

The advice to try a less crowded server sounds good (although do 8 players on 3 games really tax the servers?), but I have a few more questions:

1) Is it possible to save the game as its being played on an internet connection without returning to the lobby.If so, how?

2) If it is necessary to return to the lobby to save, how is this done? Does the game keep going while the host is doing this. And does the host get his original civilization back after returning to the game?

3) Anyone interested in a game? In spite of these problems, I'm a pretty decent player, and quick. I'd like to play internet, but would try PBEM.

[Swissy]

Here are some answers:

1) To save a game while you are playing; click the OPTIONS tab, if you are host the SAVE GAME button will be active, click it and save as you would normaly. After the save you will return to the game. If you are playing speed cities, you will have to be quick to get this done without losing your turn.

2)Only players who are not host have to return to the lobby to save. The host just follws the procedure listed above. As far as returning to the game, you usually get the civ you were playing. On rare instances I have seen a player not get his civ back, but these were games with more than two human players.

3) I play under the name Gen. Swissy. I usually play 3-6 player games, but I will play a duel from time to time. You'll usualyy find me in one of the busy serversfrom about 10pm EST on most evenings.