Native Village, Masquerade, Alchemist, Conspirator, Ironmonger, Island, Scout, Bazaar, Mystic, Tribute
Some great cards on this board. Alchemist, Masquerade, Ironmonger, Conspirator, Scout. Err....not Scout. Anyway, what is the best strategy here? When Adam does his videos he always goes through and talks about all the various aspects of the game. You know, actions, draw, trashing, buys. This board has great actions, great draw, great trashing, but no buys.
So what does this mean? It means you have to start greening at a point where you can consistently get provinces and you don't stall out. Consistency is key. So you go for Alchemist because you can draw your deck consistently, right? Wrong. I mean, it is usually right, and it is the gut instinct to do that, but look at what else you have. Masquerade. Bazaar. Ironmonger. Without that plus buy, taking the extra time to buy the potion just delays you too much. Also, potions and alchemists don't give you any economy.
That is exactly what played out in the game I just played. My opponent went for alchemist almost automatically. He began to build his deck and even got the first province before I did (probably because he saw what was coming). But his deck lacked economy. He was able to get 3 alchemists before greening, but only had coppers and didn't have the buying power necessary. My deck had two golds, two masquerades, 2 bazaars, and an ironmonger. Not the incredible engine, but enough to consistently (ok, I had to buy one island on T12) buy provinces to finish the game piling provinces on T13.
game log