Time is a major problem for Cotton strategy in 3 and 4 man groups. You will have less actions making it more and more unlikely you will get that 3rd level 3 technology. In 3 player games Cotton is still somewhat manageable but Manufactured goods (with proper development) becomes better in 4 player games due to being able to complete it quicker and get that double hit from multiple eras. Great video a lot of good info with the point ratios and link points being shown visually.
7:05 this chart arguably should have been written on the actual board. Thanks for the great tip! However, I would argue that manufacturing goods can still be a viable strategy. It requires less development actions in the canal era than the cotton mills (to reach level 2). But I do agree with you that cotton is probably the strongest sell industry if you can develop enough to get at some high lvl cottons down in the canal era. One more thing I would add is that beer industry should always be sought as it is simply too important for you. Unless you have really good connections, you won’t be able to sell goods without your beet. :)
Fantastic explanation! I’m loving the depth this game has and you explored it without getting too complicated! Though a small effort in production (some background music, some words in the presentation ecc.) would exalt the quality of your video! Keep the good work going!
0:35 i would like to add: there is also a ratio to the income. Cotton and Pottery have high cost, but low income relative to their costs. - in the Canal-aera i concentrate heavily to increase my income with the cheapest buildings possible. Coal and Iron can give u back the cost quite often, beer is always kinda good, consumer goods are mostly easy to place down (i always develop Lvl 2 and 5 away) - in the Rail-Aera i go full Victory points. If u already have a good amount of income, then u can aim for expensive buidlings easily. also, it has payed out for me, building good amount of coal mines around the aera change. Coal is much needed in the Rail-aera and gives the best income. good analysis anyway :) thank you !
