I know luck is part of the start, but it would greatly increase the amount of skill needed to win if people started with the same area, or something. Luck still would be a great factor in the game, but, with an equal start, experienced players won't be befallen with a string of starts where they have a 4 stack eights lands away from their next 3, and that is 5 lands away form a 5, with a couple fours in the way.

I see the skill involved in maneuvering your way around with a "bad" start, but, It is annoying to just be eliminated because of a difficult start.

I think those spread out examples are caused by an algorithm inserted after people complained that it was unfair that other players were starting with two connected eight stacks.

So for no one to have a "disadvantage," it would require for everyone to begin with a balanced start with *all connected territories,* which would be a social nightmare?

With the dominance gameplay it's not hard to connect, even from opposite side of map. But still this is why I like the idea of being able to disown your territories and making them neutral.

*more off topic ranting*

yeah. But their are clearly defined "good starts" versus other ones. I think I'm just making an excuse as to why I'm losing interest :)