I have yet to see any use for ports except to slow GJ in first move. Most games ports don't affect the game at all. In a few they affect the game in a very small way...

-Raid supports at sea to allow another player to save you from doom
-Raid supports at sea to get a mathematical and dissuasive advantage that will give another turn to get out of that mess
-Rttack at sea to save you from doom because you're alone in this rough world
-Increase your token balance with exchange with the free cities

They are not always useful, but if I would analyse all my finished games, I'm sure I would be surprised to see the number of time it kept me afloat!

They are still optional, but only

5 / 719 of 6 players games
53 / 295 of 5 players games
39 / 245 of 4 players games
30 / 121 of 3 players game

are played without them. I'm wondering if those games were evenly spread out in time or if it's been a long time without a no-port game. Maybe JM has an easy way to tell.

Last edited by phwenque on 2013-May-30 10:12, edited 1x in total

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Jousting, battling, feasting, drinking and whoring...just like King Robert !