SpielByWeb

[Knave]

Sometimes, when I have finished a game, I wonder where I won or lost the game. Sometimes it is obvious: I either get or don't get largest on a side. I win/lose a province at the auction that lets me complete 3 of my power cards, etc. etc.

Clearly, it is the cumulative effect of all the phases that determine the winner. However, if you could focus on just one, which do you think has the greatest effect on determining the winner?

I won't vote in the poll yet...

[t_o_m9]

You're missing another 2 options - who you are playing with, and how many players are playing.

Playing with inexperienced players, they tend to give the game away without knowing, either through poor auctions/money management.

In 3 player games I find the game is over after the 1st auction if it comes up right - 1 east province and 2 west provinces. If I win the east, it guarantees the most pyramids most of the time fairly easily so I can focus on money.

[rico44]

The auction is pretty much the decider, but it can take some luck to get the province you want, or at least to be able to place your bid at the right time. I realise you always feel worse off, and we all pressure ourselves and think everyone is after the same province, whatever our aim, but... trying to find the balance between overpaying and underpaying and losing out is very difficult.

Also as Tom says, getting the balance of money and most on one side so you can afford the most in the 2nd half of the game too can be very tricky too.

Not too long ago I was of the opinion is was about getting lucky with power cards, however now I see things are rather more complex in terms of making play that doesn't reap immediate benefits, and sometimes is based on forcing other people to make plays that also suit you - i.e. having farmers and getting other people to go for pyramid's, and both of you bumping up the rewards etc. too.

Anyway, best not reveal all the Amun-Re secrets for the poor rookies. Gosh, I don't miss those days, lol.

[Early_10]

I still suck at this game.