[Endoperez]

Also, it depends a lot about the size of the map and the number of enemy AIs you chose to have. In Silent Seas, as an example, having just two-three enemy nations would probably give you more time before they get to you. If even that's too much, take just one enemy nation for Silent Seas. Unless you get really unlucky in where the other nation starts, you should have lots of space to expand to. If you happen to meet the other nation early on, put some Province defence in the provinces neighbouring it. It'll notice that you have some forces there, and the AI usually prefers to take independent provinces before attacking players. PD 11 is usually enough, and going much above 20 is too expensive to do that in any but the most important provinces.