One Addicting Game for newbie to SEIV

[krisarthur]

I just got this game Last night. This game is by far the most in-depth strategy game I've played in a long-time. VERY ADDICTING. Great job... playability is sure lost with some new titles out there... but sure not this one!

Anyway... for a very new, newbie I have some questions:

1. If I can only build 3 facilities on a planet what do you guys build? Any particular order?

2. I keep hearing about building more space yards.... how do I do that on a planet as it says I can only have 1? Is there an advantage to having Space Yards in ships?

3. Don't tell to read the manual as I attempted to Last night - and will this weekend - but could not tear myself away from the game long enough to look into steep details.

4. How do I get the biggest mega galaxy map with most possible planets?

5. How can I limit these HUGE maps to say 4 players total = me + 3 AI?

6. Any other tips for colonizing, ship design, etc. for a new SEIV fan?