United Provinces (the Dutch)

[MadKow]

I'm beginning to think i seriously stink at handling battles.
On my several false starts as the Dutch, i always take a lot of time and troops just to capture the pirate regions.
Normally i try to do it with 6 line infantry units and a hastily recruited general and on M/M. I capture the southern one no problem, but the northern one, where you face 10-12 pirate mobs and buccaneers always gives me a lot of trouble.
By then i have researched plug bayonet.But even with this it never seems to work.
Of course, i could wait a couple more turns and strike with 4 more units, but it seems to me a better player could pull it off.

Anyway, although there is a temptation to turtle with the UP, im beginning to think aggressive strategies always work better. Especially because your scientific base eventually becomes a limiting factor, with only one place of learning.