On the 1 v 1 ladder map, how long do the pros spend choosing their starting picks?

I'm training on this map and it would help to know the level of effort pros put in to choose their starting picks. That's one of my weakest skills.

Edited 7/5/2016 10:07:27

I'm not sure if I'm a pro but I never spend more than 5 minutes but ofc you should have some thoughts behind your picks, they are very important

Their "first" picks? As for me I press the commit button when, I haven't moved stuff around for like 10-20 minutes. The total picking time lasts then up to maybe 50 minutes or so.

That being said I calculate the outcome against all viable opponent picking strategies and am aiming for versatile picks which can win against every opponent picking strategy which isn't a direct counter to mine.

Edited 7/5/2016 09:47:58

It's situation specific.

Most games are decided from the starting picks, yes! I take all the time available (2 days & 20 hours) to make these. I try to make sure I am pleased with all 11 combinations of picks I can get. To keep things simple, I analyze the following when choosing my territories:

- Coverage: the placement of random wastelands can create one or several "zones" rich with income compared to the rest of the map. You usually want to have a spot in each one of them because you don't want to let your opponent grab them for free!
- Safety: while coverage is good, you may want to have bonuses that are isolated (in zones that are not rich) so they cannot be contested, which makes it easier for you to fight your opponent in the contested zones...
- Expansion possibilities for each starting territory: while safety is good, having too many "safe" picks will get you cornered and unable to gain income while your opponent does so. Here's a very good example:

https://www.warlight.net/MultiPlayer?GameID=11255731

When the only bonus you can expand into is South Africa, you know you're cornered! Meanwhile, I had the opportunity to invade Asia (rich zone!) after repelling Tac(ky)tical from Western Russia.


It's important to adapt what kind of picks you want depending on the map.

So yeah, hopefully this proves my point: picks can make or break a game.

Not a pro but an average+ player here, Zero said it all.

Also, Dan's right too, sometimes, you get instantly inspired and pick in like 5 minutes, and you're confident about it.
And sometimes, you pick after 2 days and considering all possibilities, and still think : "well, my picks suck".

Thank you Zero, your answer was exactly the sort of thing that I wanted. That's fantastic.

Sorry for the "bump", but could a moderator bring this thread to the Strategic forum? I find myself often coming back here to fetch what I wrote for the players I am tutoring and I believe this could be discussed further!

@Quicksilver: You're welcome, buddy! =)

@Kaerox: Dang, I never noticed you posted here! What a coincidence!

Edited 7/30/2016 05:35:11

I usually make picks in under 2 minutes.


It's...probably a bad idea.

Edited 7/30/2016 05:56:36

Just remember to check the settings, I sometimes make this mistake when playing with commanders. (Zero has some insightful info, I just tried to contribute)

Edited 7/30/2016 06:06:38

Usually about 5 minutes, though sometimes I guess it's as high as 10.