SE4: Mining warp points, Best way?

[Dethgod74]

Hi folks,

We are about 20 turns into a game and I'd like to get opinions on the best way to lay mines on a warp point.

Are there two 'sides' to a warp point?

Example:

Sol Warp Point Alpha Centauri.

To be COMPLETELY covered, do I need to lay mines on the Sol side (my side) and the bad guy side (Alpha Centauri)?

or am I completely wrong on my assumptions regarding warp points?

Thanks in advance,

Rob aka dethgod74

[aegisx]

Unless you have a presence on the other end, you won't see them sweeping the mines. You can go to a warp point without warping. I would just place them on my own side. However, if you want to be able to warp into the other system, you need to keep that side cleared of enemies too.

[Arkcon]

Hmmm...question is kinda strange to me. But I'll bite.

Yes, there are 2 sides to a warp point, one in each system.

If you mine just one side, the enemy fleet can park on the other side indefinitely. They only get hit when the 'Warp' order is given, and they appear on the other side.

That said, I think most people pretty much just mine 'their' side (if applicable) of a warp point. Mining both sides is kind of overkill. For various reasons.

[Dethgod74]

Thanks to both of you, Archon and Aegisx, your input is most appreciated. I'm still learning the game, in case it didn't show! <grin>

Regards,

Rob aka dethgod74

[Arkcon]

There's some subtle points you can glean by reading the old messages on this board. Like aegisx hinted, you'll have better results overall if you maintain a presence of some sort in the other system. Its easier to mine just your side, however -- just set up a cargo ship back and forth from planet with mines in cargo to the warp point.

But you'll hit the 100 mine limit sooner or later. If you catch your opponent unawares, you'll be secure. But he'll just mine his warp point to the 100 mine limit. All the while, you both work to the 100 mine sweeping capability. Then your defenses all collapse. On the other hand, your fleets are now limited to carrying enough sweeper support with them.

There's lots of dirty tricks too. Like mining in his space, where he's likely to send a ship alone. Like a ruins planet he hasn't colonization tech for yet. Or a storm system he'd hide in when in your space. Or dropping one or two mines in front of his retreat. Or even mining his side of a warp point -- just to be annoying.

[Suicide Junkie]

The thing is, you're not mining the warppoint, per se.

You're mining the region of space around one of the endpoints.