A entree in the “Westerns” map-making competition. Based on the HBO show of the same name.

So, it looks like we each have big gangs of thugs who go roam the streets, beat each other up, then lurk back to our respective lairs… am I right?

yeah, it is best to get out of the street as quickly as possible, and just use it to get around. In rare occasion it makes sense to defend multiple buildings from the street, but not too often.

No bonus in the street. Also you're more likely to get attacked by someone trying to go through you.

so why does no one go take the gold mine?

you see the border modifiers? I think that's the main reason. You basically need to defend it from the road, which means you have to defend from two places. It can be worthwhile in some circumstances.

I've won by taking it. But, only if I get starting spots that let's me concentrate there early.

and I just learned last turn that I don't get cards for taking empty territories… gotta attack to get cards..

one more tip - don't forget about the return to attack AND return to placement.