Started writing detailed sandboxing logs, then realised no one is probably interested. The main conclusion is: BW first is much better than AH first. I get the 2nd Worker before Settler, and still get the Settler out 2 turns sooner. Research of 3 vital techs finished in 34 turns in either case, but in case of BW first, I have an extra Worker and an earlier 2nd city by that time
The interesting thing is that the SIP/GLH plant is not slower than PH plant. The reason for this is the extra commerce we get when working the gems forested hill (before mines) - this commerce allows to finish BW 1 turn sooner. The second reason is that Pro leader gets a bonus hammer from PH mines, but not from GLH mines, and the PH plant doesn't have another PH to mine until post-BW. So once rice is farmed and we build the first mine, SIP or GLH city is getting 2 food + 6 hammers + 3 bonus, while PH city can gets 3 food + 5 hammers + 2 bonus. If we go 2nd Worker before Settler, the Settler finishes EOT27 in either case; however, GLH is a better long-term spot because of gems. If Settler before 2nd Worker, SIP/GLH actually finishes it faster because of earlier BW (EOT24 vs EOT25). The only significant advantage PH plant has is that it has enough hammers to finish a Warrior while growing to 2 - the SIP/GLH city only finishes a Warrior after the Settler and the 3rd Worker. Is it worth losing the gems because of it though?
SIP is almost identical to the GLH plant. However, I feel it is slightly better long-term because there is more riverside grassland available (7 tiles vs only 3 with the GLH city). With our food resources being not the best, we may want to farm some of the grassland - and we have more options when settling in place. Also, if we SIP, the whole BFC is green apart from plains hill, while the move to the hill puts a little bit of brown in the BFC
All in all, I think SIP and going BW first is the best option - unless I see something amazing after moving Scout to 3 next turn
![[Image: Civ4ScreenShot0878.JPG]](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oE4SnjVYA48/UribCCVXSMI/AAAAAAAAD0U/tAVRws8Zz9w/s800/Civ4ScreenShot0878.JPG)
The interesting thing is that the SIP/GLH plant is not slower than PH plant. The reason for this is the extra commerce we get when working the gems forested hill (before mines) - this commerce allows to finish BW 1 turn sooner. The second reason is that Pro leader gets a bonus hammer from PH mines, but not from GLH mines, and the PH plant doesn't have another PH to mine until post-BW. So once rice is farmed and we build the first mine, SIP or GLH city is getting 2 food + 6 hammers + 3 bonus, while PH city can gets 3 food + 5 hammers + 2 bonus. If we go 2nd Worker before Settler, the Settler finishes EOT27 in either case; however, GLH is a better long-term spot because of gems. If Settler before 2nd Worker, SIP/GLH actually finishes it faster because of earlier BW (EOT24 vs EOT25). The only significant advantage PH plant has is that it has enough hammers to finish a Warrior while growing to 2 - the SIP/GLH city only finishes a Warrior after the Settler and the 3rd Worker. Is it worth losing the gems because of it though?
SIP is almost identical to the GLH plant. However, I feel it is slightly better long-term because there is more riverside grassland available (7 tiles vs only 3 with the GLH city). With our food resources being not the best, we may want to farm some of the grassland - and we have more options when settling in place. Also, if we SIP, the whole BFC is green apart from plains hill, while the move to the hill puts a little bit of brown in the BFC
All in all, I think SIP and going BW first is the best option - unless I see something amazing after moving Scout to 3 next turn
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