Strategy: Leader token at 2 players

[Romain672]

Hi,
It seem to me that once one player get the leader token, you really want to take it back every time to be able to have access to one more card, have extra effect from some cards, and not let the opponent use the extra effect from those cards.
Especially with the +2 mobilisation which is pretty good early on. The +1 Zenithium is scaling, so is fine too.

And if it's true, that mean that in every game, both players will use their cards to just increase their stacks (potentially playing cards which make you gain leader tokens), and if no one break that part, you will get infinite cards so infinite silver, infinite Zenithium, and at one point, just going full technology or very expensive cards should be enough strong to leave that token to the opponent.

If it's true, it's possible that the strategy for Mulligan would be to keep the claw cards to have more mobilisations, and change all the rests.

And that look like to make the game boring. So I hope you can explain me why it's wrong.

[Andrewsmile]

It's important to accurately value what the leader token gives you: a 25% hand size increase until its stolen, an extra card draw on the turn you take it, and one less card draw for the opponent the turn after. In addition to the "taking the leader bonus" of 3c, 1z, or 2m this is not a bad early game action as you mention. However, in the mid to late game it just isnt enough to maintain pressure on the opponent. Even a single turn can flip the balance on who is ahead, and it very often isn't worth it. Even early playing a card is often just better.

[Romain672]

Yeah for sure, it's for early game. The problem is once both players took the leader token thrice, you could expect players to hold some cards which synergise with the leader token.
So that increase further the value of it.

It's just that I feel like that break the balance of the game once you start with like 10 mobilisations cards, and I feel like it's best.


And I would argue that 3c isn't a good early game action.

[The_General_]

3c can get you out of a pickle if you had to spend most your credits on a high value card early on. Otherwise it's not a great option, no.

You don't feel the loss of leadership straight away usually. I also don't prioritise leadership. I prioritise pressure.

If my first 4 drawn cards allow me to get ahead in credits/gold/influence - then I'm going to play those ahead of getting the badge. If my cards are hindering me, then yes it may be worth to take a hit in development to get an extra gold to spend it next turn.

[Denim Samurai]

because you retain the extra card from holding leader and you draw back up when you gain leader it seems that optimally if you aren't trying to merely counter your opponent you let them have it for a turn then take it back the next