[Startup] Built to Rush (1st @ Helsinki GNK)

AxWill 380

Session report of the day in two images.

Expectations: Nice idea

Reality: Can't catch a break

Not a lot to see here. Remote game is not easy with all the anarchy going around. And in general runners tend to win startup games if you allow them to last long. Best solution ofc is to win before that, and with somewhat rushy ID and some FA-tools to finish the job, it is usually possible.

I like the Oaktown Renovation because it gives you money right away while furthering your gameplan. Even when runner steals it, you got some money out of it, which can't be said about Offworld Office or Cyberdex Sandbox. Also, runners tend to accept that if you have the audacity to install faceup agenda, you have calculated they can't get in and might sometimes respect that. Still, bluff at your own risk/leisure.

Optimal scoring plan is something like:

  1. Early Oaktown Renovation rush behind anything that keeps runner away
  2. Project Atlas with one or hopefully two counters.
  3. Any 3/2 and Hostile Takeover fast advanced from hand with help of atlas counters.

Of course you play the cards you draw, so you probably need to mix it up a little. Just remember to make sure you have enough money and if just anyhow possible, get the atlas counter(s), you will thank me.

On the day this went 3-1 (Wins: Loup, Hoshiko, Lat. Loss: Ayla). Shaper with clot is certainly the worst matchup, if they can get a lock on the remote early enough. You just need to move quickly so they can't wait and build their rig.

Also not having anything to punish the runner could bite back with open decklists since usually Weyland as a faction tends to import tags and punish them. When lists are not known, runners tend to be a bit more careful, which helps the rush.

  • 3x Magnet might be overkill, but did not have time to figure what to do with the influence otherwise. And when you need them, you need them.

  • Whitespace should probably be Enigma. Usually once the game gets going, the money is not the issue, but whitespace lacking hard ETR might certainly be.

  • You could toy with agenda suite and cut Oaktown Renovations in favor of more Azef Protocol, but that will make you poorer. Not necessarily a problem since the game might be easier to close. If you go there, you might want to - 1 Gold Farmer +1 Trick of Light and maybe even -1 Wall to Wall +1 Hortum to have more advanceable targets.

It was nice to have a live tournament in Helsinki in who knows how long. Thanks for everyone!

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