Azul Weekly Puzzle #010

[Effgee]

Hi all Azul fans!

Thanks Euklid314 for the last replies, just answered back
Also saw your comment on how stating "losing by X" could be slightly confusing based solely on the current score. But I also didn't want to pre-calculate anything, up to the reader to figure out what bonuses will be kicking in. So from now on I just won't say anything, just a snapshot with current score but without insisting on the difference, how does that sound?

Been a while since the last puzzle, Thanksgiving and all...., but here's a new puzzle!

For some reason I'm unable to upload any images, so unfortunately you'll need to follow this link, if anyone can add the image that would be lovely!
https://ibb.co/rZWy395
This is more of an open-ended puzzle, how does one finish round 4 strong ahead of the final round?

Have a great weekend/week!

[euklid314]

I would take 2 reds for row 2 and expect my opponent to take the other 2 reds for row 5 (since he desperately needs to finish column 2 and he is not guaranteed to get 2 reds in the last round, e.g. if they are distributed 2-1-1-0-0, which is likely).

Getting 2 reds for our row 2 has the additional merit that we gain more points next round when we put 3 yellows into row 3 (which is very likely since we start round 5 and 6 yellows are still left in the pack).

After all the reds are taken, I might continue with 2 white for row 1 - joining the yellows. There are 2 blacks, 3 blues, 3 yellows left and it is our opponents turn.
We are happy to get 3 yellows (for row 3) or 3 blues (for row 5). But if our opponent takes 3 blues (for row 1) we might even take 2 blacks in our last turn (and force our opponent to discard 3 yellows). I.e, all 3 options (3 blues, 3 yellows, 2 black) for our last turn are quite ok.

[karenttrouble]

Which player's turn is it? I would probably take the 2 reds from the red/blue/yellow which would likely cause either both player or neither player to finish their row of 5 this round.