Other Wise

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Commentary and processes of J C Lawrence: systems architect, contrarian, theorist, sailor, hacker, virtual world designer, linux-user, aquarist, disquisitor, cat breeder, raconteur, game designer, ludophile, bibliophile, numismatist, speculator and theologiser

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Future millstones

Assuming that Capitalisation (or control of Capitalisation) remains the most attractive early action in the game (an argument I’m having difficulty supporting):

Total actions performed: 9

Total actions per player: P1:2 P2:2, P3:3, P4:3

Now let’s assume that P1 recognises the action race and changes tempo:

Total actions performed: 11

Total actions per player: P1:3 P2:2, P3:2, P4:4

Interesting.

Let’s assume that P4 wins one of the early share auctions with his cash lead and thus has more he can develop:

Total actions performed: 12

Total actions per player: P1:3 P2:3, P3:2, P4:4

Now let’s assume that P1 is cash poor, diluted on both sides and that P2 in similarly incented towards a fast dividend:

Total actions performed: 8

Total actions per player: P1:2 P2:2, P3:1, P4:3

This is fascinating. The players have no choice but to focus on Expansion next turn as there’s just no opportunity for any more Development. What interesting rhythms!

Footnotes
  1. Guarantees next turn ↩
  2. Assuming only one share held, nothing left to develop ↩
  3. Fastest route to an addition turn ↩
  4. Also ↩
  5. Selected in order to guarantee a dividend ↩
  6. Guarantees next turn ↩
  7. Most populous action, doesn’t drive dividend. ↩
  8. Guaranteed not to get another action before the dividend. ↩
  9. Instant dividend ↩
  10. Almost certainly in a corner, needs a dividend fast but can also get two Expands, which could (unlikely) be better ↩
  11. Also doesn’t want to push it? ↩
  12. Expects to not get another action before the dividend ↩
  13. Instant dividend ↩

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