Thanks for that, Viper - always interesting to watch other people play, very useful. Excellent micromanagement of your military (and even civilians) though obviously you had to neglect other things. For example a tower and attrition were called for asap but you delayed it a bit - maybe because you were a bit low on gold, could have just built a 2nd market for that (for example). And after that a fort could have been a good idea (giving you a free general as well).
As for your opponent, his early rush was a valid tactic but after he just failed to reduce your city and retreated he should have decided on a different tactic. I've learned it the hard way as well, it's stupid to always attack the same spot the whole time, especially with a meagre force and your opponent always being able to garrison inside the town you're going for.
P.S.: Even more useful is watching your own replays from your opponent's perspective. I last played a 4-person-free-for-all which turned out into two 1-on-1s and I attacked a booming German with my Aztecs and couldn't get through and thought "damn, this guy's too good for me". But after watching the replay I realised I had developed my industry far better than him and my attacks had just about destroyed his whole defense, if only I had follwed through my two attacks in classic or medival a bit better I would have overrun him. And in any case, if he uses the same setup next time (only producing footmen and no horseriders in the first three ages to fully develop his economy) I will be far better prepared.
[This message has been edited by tripod (edited 06-20-2003 @ 07:50 AM).]