So what do you do when, first turn after initial placement, you find someone who's placed their entire stack extremely close to your entire stack and it's clear that you both had the same continent in mind when planning your base?
For me, the politics depend on turn order, communication, and how other people have placed.
If there is a suitable empty continent nearby, then usually I will evacuate to that continent as fast as possible. If there are no such places or my escape route is blocked, then I'm pretty much resolved to fight him out for it.
If he's already said he's leaving, then there's no problem. This is where communication comes in handy. However, it's VERY IMPORTANT to keep your stack consolidated until he leaves the continent - if you attempt to conquer parts of the continent before his turn rolls around, you may spread yourself too thin and he'll reconsider his options and wipe the floor with you. If he says he has no intention of leaving, then you'll have to fight him - once again, ONLY if you have no escape route or possible safe haven to move your base of operations to. National security is paramount - always choose the safest option. Throwing your entire opening stack in jeopardy does not fall under the heading of "safe options".
If he's silent, then this changes matters slightly. Some might prefer to open communications with them the minute the game starts, asking if he's going to leave the continent. This can be wise. In that case, if you receive no reply by the time your turn rolls around (or if you don't talk to them at all), you have one of two options, and how you judge the enemy's actions will determine how you proceed.
-If he's already had his turn and he hasn't left, then he's clearly prepared to fight you for the continent. I would not hesitate to attack if he has already spread his initial stack out slightly through single attacks for cards or if your stacks are very close (this lessens the probability that you'll lose men in attacks moving yourself into position to eliminate his stack). The three reinforcements you receive may be enough to tip the scale in your favor, and the odds favor the attacker anyways.
-If he hasn't had his turn yet, you can give him the benefit of the doubt and sit tight or move to eliminate him anyways. However, be very cautious - do NOT spread your stack thin or he will eat you for breakfast.
Overall, it all comes down to personal preference and personality. Personally, I'm more tempted to shoot first and ask questions later if the enemy doesn't use the chat. Some might call this suiciding, I call it taking a necessary risk.
How do you play when someone places close to you?
