Quote Originally Posted by burn_again View Post
For Pontos I'd suggest a different blitzing strategy: Mazaka, Ipsos, Sardis. You can reach Mazaka in turn one, Ipsos in turn three. These 3 cities have mines and are weakly garnisoned at the gamestart, you starting troops will be enough to take them. You will be at war with the AS anyway, so that should not be a problem. With these cities your economy should be fine, you just have to defend Mazaka (and the first AS attacks will not be so hard) while you take the rest of Asia Minor.
If you attack Sinope and Ankyra first you will probably take too many casualties to attack the AS, who will have build up garnisons by then. Sometimes it can be better to wait for turn two to attack Mazaka, there is a chance that Pahlava will not attack the AS in turn one if you are already at war with them.
That's a good idea if you want to start the war with Seleukia early. Not very historical, but very effective! Hit the AS when they are weakest, which is right at the start!

I usually wait for the Seleucids to attack me first as Pontus. It's harder that way, though.