Pre-Go Game Etiquette

Hi,

I was wondering what everyone's opinion on moving before the "go" in tournament/strict games was? Do people move at all, move the island edge, farm? Is this acceptable, or not?

I try not to move off the start square. From what I've seen moving to the edge of the map is most common.

I also try to stay close to the original start square where possible.
More often lately, however, I find myself moving to the edge of
the water, and driving up to the first base, but not rolling over it
until I see a red one turn.

Especially when I'm the on the 2 in a 2x3 or for whatever reason
feel I have the odds somewhat against me, I will consider this
approach. Also when I know there are some players who make a
habit of starting closer than the start square I will hedge my bets
this way.

Hopefully too many people won't pick up this stupid idea or games
will never start!

I really doubt that people stay in the start squares out in deep sea before go is called. There's some maps (like Gothic Industrial 2) where actually starting from out there will put you in a hole if you're playing handicaps or against quick players.

Frankly, I don't believe any one does this. Why? Well at the start of the game, bases are taken in relatively the same amount of time, albeit very short, maybe half a second. I have seen some players take a base way after everyone but I usually attributed that to not paying attention. I guess it could be attributed to people actually starting from the start square, who knows. I still doubt that 4 people do that.