Game start options

My intent is to reduce the number of games wrecked before they start and also hopefully to reduce the start time.

I'd like to see something to penalise people who wait to last to choose, maybe you get allowed one timeout but after that your starting cash is cut by 20% for each timeout, or maybe a SP penalty. This applies both to free choice team games (not scenarios) and to individual games.

Another option - prevent people choosing areas beside ones already selected. This could be done on an adjacency basis or on a distance basis.

Finally - have a 'no 1st turn strikes' option. Implement something that players often agree to do among themselves. On turn 1 you may not move any troops within X distance of another player's capital (or any city?) thus preventing alpha strikes and also turn 1 wall prevention.


I think most people can see what I am trying to do with these suggestions.

I don't agree with the first suggestion because if I'm playing a WWII game, and if I get first choice, and I choose Russia everyone will choose my side. Thus, I wait till last/2nd last pick and just play the game.

2nd idea I personally don't like, others may like it though. My idea is if someone joins beside you, just kill them. Kill all of them.

Your 3rd idea is great though. Having a no-first turn attacking option would be great because of balance. Plus I definitely agree players shouldn't be allowed to move units onto another players territory(but can go through it and land on neutral territory -- but cannot stay inside a territory first move).

Written down - like the ideas of penalty for skipping your country-choosing turn and peace at Turn 1.