I've played 1 board to completion, and just started a 2nd board (4 games in). Our first board everyone played nice and balanced, but now we are vicious and spiteful.
In 4 games I have won 2. All players played the majority of games on the first board, and we are all pretty versed. By taking the Middle East as my starting city (which I also bunkered) I am able to turtle in the center of the world without many people being willing to try and take an Asia bonus. I can focus my attention on destroying Australia and then move toward a game win. If Australia is too strong then I can turtle in the Middle east and make a play once one side has exhausted itself. A major city in any defensible Continent would draw too much attention. Also, I have created a bunker which costs other player 2 units to gain.
It has worked wonders so far. If i didn't win then I was a damn close second. I find by that appearing weak, but not crippled, I can grab a quick win. If i started in Australia then I am too far from other HQs, and if I am in Middle East I am equidistant from most HQs in the game.
In 4 games I have won 2. All players played the majority of games on the first board, and we are all pretty versed. By taking the Middle East as my starting city (which I also bunkered) I am able to turtle in the center of the world without many people being willing to try and take an Asia bonus. I can focus my attention on destroying Australia and then move toward a game win. If Australia is too strong then I can turtle in the Middle east and make a play once one side has exhausted itself. A major city in any defensible Continent would draw too much attention. Also, I have created a bunker which costs other player 2 units to gain.
It has worked wonders so far. If i didn't win then I was a damn close second. I find by that appearing weak, but not crippled, I can grab a quick win. If i started in Australia then I am too far from other HQs, and if I am in Middle East I am equidistant from most HQs in the game.