How do you guys/gals do it?

[dirtywick]

In general I don't play more than 10 nations, usually more like 6 or 8. I've played huge maps before and generally, after you take out your immediate enemies, you'll see the rest of the AI nations fighting amongst themselves and your power greatly outmatches theirs. It's an exercise in patience to go an steamroll them all and I think the time is better spent starting a new game with a new nation on a smaller map.