On the medium and large earth maps, I find europe is almost always picked by my opponent.

I generally stay away because it's many borders makes breakup easier.

I do see the benefit of gaining bonuses faster, but overall is it a wise choice?

It seems the better 1 vs. 1 players do this.

Personally it's annoying the crap out of me.

Thoughts?

Really? I haven't noticed this, and I don't think it's a particularly good starting spot.

If you do it on purpose, it's usually a mistake. If you do it accidentally, it's super powerful, and it's called a nuck.

On the medium earth map, Europe isn't as worthless as it is on the large earth map. That said, I might pick Canada with a wasteland before I pick Europe. It's too close to other 'hot' picks to risk trying to complete it.

depends if there are wastelands in scand-green-W.rus or not..

Only good if eastmost country in EU

heh, funny guy fred