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damerell at 12:28pm on 22/11/2001
damerell at 12:28pm on 22/11/2001Illuminati at the weekend. 5-player game; I ended up with Zurich against Discordia, the Network, the UFOs and the Assassins. Network made a strong start with the CIA, but I was lucky enough to pick up the International Cocaine Smugglers. That provided a good base for income from which I was able to snag 3 more income 2/3 groups with almost no spending over the next few turns (and the Punk Rockers - income 1, but free to me with the Cocaine Smugglers' bonus). With this, I'm actually getting pretty close to Zurich's (normally impossible) special victory goal of 150 MB.
Meanwhile, the UFOs have become very strong, the Network quite so, the Assassins are struggling, and Discordia have the IRS. I know I can win in 2 turns if I spend no money, but the UFOs can certainly win in one, since they only need 2 groups; luckily, some good groups have come into the pool, which distracts people from their desire to make me spend my money (as ever, popular opinion overestimates the amount of cash Zurich has.)
Then I turn over the Multinational Oil Companies - with the highest income in the game, a popular choice for Zurich - however, since I can't take them and also pass this turn and collect 5 MB, and it'll cost me a fair bit to get them in the teeth of what will inevitably be stiff interference, I don't actually want them. So I talk a big talk about how I do, get everyone ready to fight, then back down, pass, and take my 5 MB.
Everyone is now convinced I can win on my next turn; but play rolls round to Discordia, and first of all they tax me 2 MB with the IRS. I see my chance; I exclaim "Oh, hell!", and put on a great show of disappointment. Everyone is now convinced I can't win on my next turn; of course they consider that it may be a bluff, but they act as if it isn't. I'm helped in this by the fact that the UFOs are very strong, since everyone is saving up to scrap with them.
The UFOs decide not to try and pick off two groups this turn, but instead grobble up one and strengthen their position; with 2 special cards out in the hands of other players, they can't make a privileged attack and may well fail in a normal one, so instead they move money to make a real go at it next time around.
The Assassins and the Network consolidate against the threat from the UFOs, so it rolls around to me again. I take my income and pass again; collect 5 MB for passing; and that gives me _exactly_ 150 MB. Bingo. My favourite kind of win, in that it was one through being a sneaky liar.
Meanwhile, the UFOs have become very strong, the Network quite so, the Assassins are struggling, and Discordia have the IRS. I know I can win in 2 turns if I spend no money, but the UFOs can certainly win in one, since they only need 2 groups; luckily, some good groups have come into the pool, which distracts people from their desire to make me spend my money (as ever, popular opinion overestimates the amount of cash Zurich has.)
Then I turn over the Multinational Oil Companies - with the highest income in the game, a popular choice for Zurich - however, since I can't take them and also pass this turn and collect 5 MB, and it'll cost me a fair bit to get them in the teeth of what will inevitably be stiff interference, I don't actually want them. So I talk a big talk about how I do, get everyone ready to fight, then back down, pass, and take my 5 MB.
Everyone is now convinced I can win on my next turn; but play rolls round to Discordia, and first of all they tax me 2 MB with the IRS. I see my chance; I exclaim "Oh, hell!", and put on a great show of disappointment. Everyone is now convinced I can't win on my next turn; of course they consider that it may be a bluff, but they act as if it isn't. I'm helped in this by the fact that the UFOs are very strong, since everyone is saving up to scrap with them.
The UFOs decide not to try and pick off two groups this turn, but instead grobble up one and strengthen their position; with 2 special cards out in the hands of other players, they can't make a privileged attack and may well fail in a normal one, so instead they move money to make a real go at it next time around.
The Assassins and the Network consolidate against the threat from the UFOs, so it rolls around to me again. I take my income and pass again; collect 5 MB for passing; and that gives me _exactly_ 150 MB. Bingo. My favourite kind of win, in that it was one through being a sneaky liar.
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