The edge Powers may have certain advantages, fourofswords, but these are in common with most edge Powers in most Dip variants, and in Standard as well. Note that in Known World 901, the more centrally located Powers do have some compensating strengths. For example, due to the presence of neutral units, and the design of the map, only the more centrally located Powers have the ability to take two neutrals unaided in the first game year. Axum, China, Denmark, Spain, Srivijaya and Wagadu can only take one neutral dot in the first game year without outside help. I think that overall, the more centrally located Powers have the greater potential for rapid growth. Skillful diplomacy (small "d") of course can make up for just about any handicap in a reasonably balanced variant, which I think Known World 901 is, in my biased and not so humble opinion..