Page (Adventures)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Page in Dominion:

Page Strategy Guide

Introduction Page is a special card that begins a powerful Traveller line, starting as a simple cantrip (a card that replaces itself and gives +1 Action) and potentially upgrading through multiple forms. Understanding when and how to invest in Pages is crucial for maximizing their potential.

Basic Characteristics - Cost: $2 - Type: Action-Traveller - Initial effect: +1 Card, +1 Action - Special ability: Can be upgraded to Treasure Hunter when discarded from play

Core Strategy Concepts

1. Early Game Considerations

Page's Initial Value - As a $2 cost card, Page competes with other early-game purchases like Chapel, Cellar, or Haven - The initial form is a simple cantrip, making it safe to include in any deck - Unlike other $2 cards, Page has significant long-term potential through upgrades - Multiple Pages can be beneficial, as each can upgrade independently

Timing of Purchase - Best bought in early game (turns 1-4) to start the upgrade path quickly - Can still be valuable as a mid-game purchase if your deck can cycle quickly - Less valuable as a late-game purchase unless the game will extend significantly

Number to Buy - Generally aim for 2-3 Pages early - More than 3 can slow down your deck's development - Consider your kingdom's trashing capabilities when deciding quantity

1. Upgrade Path

The Full Traveller Line: Page → Treasure Hunter → Warrior → Hero → Champion

Understanding this progression is crucial because: - Each form provides increasingly powerful effects - The full upgrade path takes multiple shuffles - You need to plan several turns ahead - Different forms serve different strategic purposes

Upgrade Timing - Pages should be upgraded to Treasure Hunter as soon as possible - Don't hold onto Pages unnecessarily once you can play them - Consider deck tracking to predict when upgrades will occur

1. Synergies and Combinations

Card Draw - Laboratory variants - Cantrip chains - Village variants These help cycle through your deck faster, accelerating Page upgrades

Throne Room Effects - Throne Room - King's Court - Crown Benefits: - Play Page multiple times - Still only upgrades once per card - Helps cycle deck faster

Duration Cards - Fishing Village - Haven - Maritime These provide actions and draw to help play Pages consistently

1. Kingdom Considerations

Strong Kingdoms for Page - Kingdoms with strong trashing - Kingdoms lacking +Buy - Kingdoms where gaining silver is valuable - Kingdoms with strong action chains

Weak Kingdoms for Page - Very fast kingdoms (game might end before upgrades matter) - Kingdoms with strong attack pressure - Kingdoms where silver gaining isn't valuable - Kingdoms with compelling alternative $2-3 cards

1. Countering Page Strategies

Direct Counters - Attacks that force discards (Militia, Torturer) - Deck inspection attacks (Bureaucrat, Scout) - Junking attacks (Curse-givers)

Indirect Counters - Racing strategies that end the game quickly - Heavy trashing that makes Treasure Hunter's silver-gaining less relevant - Strong money strategies that outpace the upgrade path

1. Advanced Techniques

Timing Your Upgrades - Sometimes delay playing a Page if you want to upgrade multiple cards in the same shuffle - Consider keeping track of when your deck will reshuffle - Plan your purchases around expected upgrade timing

Mixed Traveller Strategy - Don't feel obligated to upgrade all Pages simultaneously - Different forms can serve different purposes - Consider keeping some cards at earlier forms if their effects are particularly useful

Managing Actions - Build your action chain carefully - Don't over-invest in Pages at the expense of other important cards - Balance Page plays with other strategic needs

1. Page in Different Game Phases

Early Game (Turns 1-4) - Primary focus on acquiring 2-3 Pages - Begin building action infrastructure - Consider trashing weaker cards

Mid Game (Turns 5-10) - Start upgrading Pages to Treasure Hunters - Build toward consistent deck cycling - Balance Page plays with other strategy elements

Late Game (Turns 11+) - Should have most Pages upgraded to later forms - Focus on maximizing the benefits of upgraded cards - Consider whether to continue upgrading or focus on end-game scoring

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Investment - Buying too many Pages early - Neglecting other important cards - Focusing too much on upgrades versus winning conditions

Poor Timing - Upgrading too slowly - Not planning for reshuffles - Holding Pages too long waiting for "perfect" plays

Strategic Errors - Ignoring alternative victory paths - Not adapting strategy based on opponent's actions - Failing to recognize when Page strategy isn't optimal

1. Specific Kingdom Card Interactions

Strong Positive Interactions

Treasury - Helps maintain consistent money - Works well with Treasure Hunter phase - Provides useful deck cycling

Laboratory Variants - Helps play Pages consistently - Accelerates deck cycling - Maintains action chain

Village Variants - Provides necessary actions - Helps maintain Page chains - Supports multiple Traveller plays

Negative Interactions

Possession - Can disrupt upgrade timing - May waste valuable upgrades - Creates tracking complications

Cultist - Ruins make Page upgrades less consistent - Can slow down deck cycling - Competes for actions

1. Multiplayer Considerations

In 3+ Player Games - More competition for Pages - Longer games favor full upgrade path - More potential for attack interference

Table Politics - Pages can make you a target - Consider timing of upgrades - Balance personal development vs. interference

1. Kingdom-Specific Strategies

Engine Kingdoms - Focus on quick cycling - Prioritize action generation - Balance Page quantity with engine pieces

Big Money Kingdoms - Pages can supplement money strategy - Treasure Hunters become more valuable - Consider hybrid approaches

Rush Kingdoms - Evaluate whether Page path is too slow - Consider alternative strategies - May need to adapt upgrade timing

1. Optimization Tips

Deck Tracking - Keep mental note of Page locations - Plan reshuffles - Track upgrade opportunities

Action Management - Build reliable action chains - Don't over-extend - Maintain flexibility

Buy Phase Planning - Consider future upgrade timing - Balance Page investments - Prepare for later Traveller forms

Conclusion

Page is a unique card that offers tremendous potential value through its upgrade path. Success with Page requires: - Careful early game planning - Understanding of timing and deck composition - Awareness of kingdom context - Flexibility in strategy adaptation

While the initial investment might seem small, the long-term impact of Pages can be game-defining. The key is balancing the investment in Pages with other strategic needs while maintaining consistent upgrade progression.

Remember: - Start with 2-3 Pages early - Build supporting infrastructure - Plan for upgrades - Adapt to kingdom context - Monitor game pace - Stay flexible in strategy

This understanding of Page strategy will help you maximize its potential while avoiding common pitfalls and maintaining competitive gameplay.

Final Tips: 1. Always consider kingdom context 2. Plan several turns ahead 3. Monitor opponent's strategies 4. Maintain upgrade momentum 5. Stay focused on victory conditions 6. Be prepared to adapt strategy 7. Don't over-invest 8. Track timing carefully

With proper planning and execution, Page can be a powerful foundation for many successful Dominion strategies.