Ok, since so many players use the jail not very well, maybe it's useful to give a few obvious tips:
1. Jail players who you're sure are against you, not potential allies (like at the beginning of the game, when you're still not sure who's who)!
2. When in doubt, jail players who can potentially hurt you (that's for you sherifs of the world who jail random players in the middle of the table instead of your immediate neighbours...)
3. Take into account the special powers around the table. So remember that Lucky Luke is roughly twice as likely as escaping as the other characters (except if he's hung over), and that Pedro can pick up the jail of the player just before him (75% chance) or even his own jail if he escapes (25% chance). Also take into account Kit Carlson: if he's in play he can see what the player after him will draw to try to get out of jail. If you know that he's with you or against you, that can make a big difference in how powerful your jails are!
4. As always in Bang, it's usually better to focus on the weakest leak and finish them off (the one with the fewest life points, and/or the fewest cards), rather than hurt everybody a little bit (again, if you know for sure who are your enemies, see rule 1.)
5. Finally, if all else is the same, jail your enemy whose turn comes first, not last. By letting other players play before the one in jail, you give them an opportunity to potentially use a cat ballou or a panic and free their buddy.
And finally observe what happens when you make a decision. Learn from your mistakes!
1. Jail players who you're sure are against you, not potential allies (like at the beginning of the game, when you're still not sure who's who)!
2. When in doubt, jail players who can potentially hurt you (that's for you sherifs of the world who jail random players in the middle of the table instead of your immediate neighbours...)
3. Take into account the special powers around the table. So remember that Lucky Luke is roughly twice as likely as escaping as the other characters (except if he's hung over), and that Pedro can pick up the jail of the player just before him (75% chance) or even his own jail if he escapes (25% chance). Also take into account Kit Carlson: if he's in play he can see what the player after him will draw to try to get out of jail. If you know that he's with you or against you, that can make a big difference in how powerful your jails are!
4. As always in Bang, it's usually better to focus on the weakest leak and finish them off (the one with the fewest life points, and/or the fewest cards), rather than hurt everybody a little bit (again, if you know for sure who are your enemies, see rule 1.)
5. Finally, if all else is the same, jail your enemy whose turn comes first, not last. By letting other players play before the one in jail, you give them an opportunity to potentially use a cat ballou or a panic and free their buddy.
And finally observe what happens when you make a decision. Learn from your mistakes!
