Protect the Hand 1.0

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After the anti-migraine meds kicked in tonight, I got all analytical about my Thrones deckbuilding. I've been having issues getting the numbers right on my decks. I'd rather they come out the gate built properly and that's eluded me. So I am going to post my thoughts as I run the numbers on a rebuild of my Lannister/Stag deck.

Deck Theme: Win by with Ser Barristan protecting the Lannisters.

Plots: Avg Gold 4.14 Initiative 3.42 Gold: A Noble Cause 701 Gold: Wardens of the West 541 Tech: Confiscation 451 Tech: Marched to the Wall 481 Tech: The First Snow of Winter 351 Finish: A Game of Thrones 421 Finish: Famine 202

Here's the rule I have been running with. Two gold plots (5 or above), three situational plots, and two plots to close out a game. Possible Cuts: First Snow is my reset, with the idea that Famine following will be killer. I am back on the Marched train, but it'll go next if I need it. Confiscation goes if I decide to put Cressen in, in which case I'd go for Here to Serve instead. Possible Adds: Trading with the Pentoshi is almost a must in decks that have more than one 7-coster. Wildfire Assault may be a better reset.

32 Char Avg Cost 3.81 (+14t) 7 3 Tywin (+), 2 Selmy 35 6 3 Jamie, 3 Renly (+) 36 5 3 Tyrion (+) 15 4 3 Cersei 12 3 2 2 Bastard, 2 Red Cloaks. 3 Entourage, 2 Moneylender(+) 18 1 3 Merchant(+), 3 Faithful (+) 6

So, here's the data on my characters. I have 32 right now in this version. Average cost is 3.81, but 14 of those are reducers or gold-producers. Tyrion also adds gold. Possible Cuts: If I cut Renly, I'd need to add three more Stag cards. I really feel like Renly's economy value makes him worth the 6 cost. I also have a lot of things at 3x currently. I dropped a Selmy as I was writing this, even though he is key to my theme, he isn't key to winning. Possible Adds: Grand Maester Pycelleand Maester Cressen are good options. The Hound is as well.

2 Attachments 2 Seal of the Hand

Really a no-brainer. with 5 characters that could use this at 3x each, it's a great win for options. Possible Adds: If I cut characters, I'd make up the numbers here. Paid Off fits the deck theme, and with no Brothel Madame it doesn't conflict. Widow's Wail is always excellent.

17 Locations

3 Kingsroad 3 Roseroad 3 Western Fiefdom

Obvious econ backbone.

3 Casterly Rock 2 Lannisport 3 Small Council Chamber

These locations are the core of winning via intrigue. Possible Cuts: I could go down to 2x on Casterly Rock and the Chamber if I need some room, but I see them as game-winning. I could also cut Lannisport if I add Pycelle. Possible Adds: Tower of the Hand can be used to help clear an opponent's board using Intrigue, which fits theme, so I am considering it. I always seem to think a 1x The Eyrie is a good call.

9 Events 3 Hand's Judgement 3 Treachery 3 Tears of Lys

This is pretty much set. I really only want to have a maximum of 12 events anyhow. Possible Adds: The Things I Do For Love would allow me to remove characters off the board to discard with Intrigue. Although Trial by Combat may be a cheaper way to do the same thing. Even-Handed Justice would allow me to kneel Selmy in order to have his save ready for use.

So, testing my setups on the current build:

Mulligan into Selmy Fiefdom :( Faithful, Bastard, Red Cloaks, Council Chamber, Roseroad Tyrion, Faithful, Roseroad Red Cloaks, Bastard, Moneylender, Casterly Rock (With Tywin and two Kingsroads in hand) Cersei Duped, Moneylender, Bastard Tywin, Faithful Cersei, Red Cloaks, Kingsroad Cersei, Red Cloaks, Moneylender Tyrion, Merchant, Faithful Renly, Merchant, Roseroad

9/10 of these setups are good. Note that I didn't Mulligan except on the first one. I think I've got a workable build here at the moment.

So I think the lesson here is that I should get all analytical on decks prior to putting them together and playing them. I feel a lot better about trying this deck out in the near future.