[Jtownsend]

I believe the game is starting at medium tech, with a 100k bonus on the first turn. It may also be a crowded universe, with 3-4 systems per player. That considered, and with my non-HI race, I am considering doing without EB and making a faster colony ship, every second turn.

I'm leaning towards Stoney's idea of a transport ship with 2 mines early on, to stake out as many likely border warp points as I can. Continued advice along the veins already given here is much appreciated.

EDIT: Bit of important information - the game will be medium galactic edge, unless the players top 10 or 12, in which case large. The players start out with a bonus 100,000 on the first turn, and 3 good planets! Which rather alters my worry about having to have a cheapie colony ship if I did a land rush. On the other hand, given the size of the universe and the three starting good planets, I'm not sure EBing 33 colony ships would be very sane either. Brilliant advice?