What's good maps for beginners?

[iancanton]

agreed. 2.1 is excellent for learning escalating strategy, especially with regard to timing ur spoils cashes.

ian.

[natty dread]

2.1 is a bit frustrating for escalating... it's so merciless, it doesn't allow even one mistake... you miss that 1 territory in some Norway or Madagascar - it's very easy when the whole screen is full of those coloured tiny numbers - and you're screwed.

[stahrgazer]

2.1 is a bit frustrating for escalating... it's so merciless, it doesn't allow even one mistake... you miss that 1 territory in some Norway or Madagascar - it's very easy when the whole screen is full of those coloured tiny numbers - and you're screwed.

Only after the cashes get large enough to matter

[natty dread]

Yes, that's what I mean... when you're going for the kill on 2.1. If you miss that one territory, you're screwed.

[stahrgazer]

Yes, that's what I mean... when you're going for the kill on 2.1. If you miss that one territory, you're screwed.

True, that's the problem with any larger map on escalating a few rounds in. So, while the player is learning the ropes, or the maps, he or she could avoid escalating setting. Still, larger maps like World 2.1 are more "forgiving" of tactical errors even on escalating, until cashes get large enough to make the kill you're speaking of, which is unlikely to happen for at least the first 15-20 rounds, when escalating cash could be 25 or 30 armies and up. As such, those maps really are good for learning strategical gameplay, whereas smaller maps can be ended quickly by dice or drops in the first few rounds.

Another largish map that does not have quite the problems of "too many smallish terrs" as World 2.1 or Hive; and for which no particular one strategy is effective (thus helping the newer player learn "general strategy) is Charleston.

[rockfist]

It depends on your settings. I find 2.1 to be an easy map, but I play only flat rate or no spoils.

[WorldCup4James]

Any suggestions of good maps for beginners?

I think Classic is the best, it's the actual original version of the game, no special rules like in Monsters, for example. I also think the continents are good too, like Asia, North America, etc.
Once you're up for more, you can go for Age of Realms (these are great) or even try and immerse yourself in complex games like Monsters and Circus Maximus.
Some of my favorites:
Classic
San Francisco
Age of Realms 1
Germany