Dame Anna (Dark Ages)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Dame Anna:

Dame Anna Strategy Guide

Overview: Dame Anna is one of the Knights from Dark Ages, combining a self-trashing ability with an attack that threatens opponent's deck quality. Her dual nature as both a trasher and an attack card makes her versatile, though her attack is somewhat inconsistent compared to dedicated trashing attacks like Sentry or Steward.

Key Strengths: 1. Optional self-trashing of up to 2 cards 2. Attacks opponent's deck quality 3. Targets specifically medium-cost cards ($3-$6) 4. Knight type means it can trash other Knights

Core Uses:

1. Deck Improvement The primary use of Dame Anna is as a deck improver, working on two fronts:
2. Trashing your own unwanted cards
3. Forcing opponents to trash potentially valuable cards

The self-trashing ability is particularly valuable because: - It's optional, allowing flexibility - Can trash up to 2 cards, making it more efficient than single-card trashers - Doesn't require the cards to be in any specific cost range - Works even if the attack portion fails

1. Attack Component The attack targets specifically mid-cost cards ($3-$6), which often includes:
2. Key engine components (Villages, Smithies)
3. Important payload cards (Silver, Gold)
4. Critical support cards (Cantrip chains)

Timing and Strategic Considerations:

Early Game: - Excellent early-game purchase when you need trashing - Can help thin starting Coppers and Estates - Attack can disrupt opponent's early deck-building plans - Consider rushing it if opponent is planning an engine strategy

Mid Game: - Continue using for deck thinning - Attack becomes more impactful as opponents acquire valuable cards - Be cautious of other Knights that could trash Dame Anna - Consider picking up multiple copies if attack is particularly effective

Late Game: - Self-trashing remains useful for final deck optimization - Attack effectiveness may decrease as opponents acquire higher-cost cards - Can still disrupt engine components

Synergies and Combinations:

1. Gainers
2. Gains from Workshop, Artificer can be trashed if unwanted
3. Works well with Monument for flexible money strategy

4. Pairs with Upgrade to maintain deck quality while gaining

5. Draw Cards

6. Laboratory, Smithy help find Dame Anna more consistently
7. Hunting Grounds provides fodder for trashing

8. Council Room's extra draws give more trashing options

9. Throne Room Effects

10. Double Dame Anna can trash up to 4 cards
11. Attack portion hits 4 cards total

12. Increases chances of finding valuable targets

13. Deck Inspection

14. Scrying Pool helps time the attack better
15. Oracle can set up better attack targets

16. Spy effects help maximize attack impact

17. Duration Cards

18. Wharf, Fishing Village provide consistent resources while thinning
19. Haven can save key cards from being trashed
20. Caravan Gold provides valuable targets while maintaining economy

Counter-Strategies:

1. Defending Against Dame Anna:
2. Reaction cards (Moat, Horse Traders)
3. Building towards higher-cost cards ($7+)
4. Watchtower to protect gained cards

5. Multiple cheap cards rather than mid-cost ones

6. Competing With Dame Anna:

7. Other Knights can trash Dame Anna
8. Faster trashing attacks (Rogue, Bandit)
9. Focus on $7+ cost cards
10. Build wide rather than tall with cheaper cards

Kingdom Considerations:

Good Kingdoms For Dame Anna: 1. Limited trashing options available 2. Many valuable $3-$6 cards 3. Engine components in attackable range 4. Strong support for deck inspection 5. Kingdoms lacking defense cards

Weak Kingdoms For Dame Anna: 1. Multiple competing trashing options 2. Many defense cards available 3. Primary strategy focuses on cheap cards 4. Other Knights present 5. Fast Big Money viable

Buy Priorities:

When to Prioritize Dame Anna: - Early trashing needed - Opponent vulnerable to attack - Few other trashing options - Key cards in $3-$6 range - No strong defense cards available

When to Skip Dame Anna: - Better trashing available - Strong defenses present - Opponent focusing on cheap/expensive cards - Other Knights threatening - Fast strategies available

Gameplay Tips:

1. Trashing Strategy:
2. Prioritize trashing Coppers over Estates early
3. Save trashing for when you have multiple targets
4. Consider keeping some Coppers if money is tight

5. Balance trashing with deck functionality

6. Attack Timing:

7. Use when opponents likely have good cards on top
8. Consider deck tracking to maximize impact
9. Time attacks when opponents are building critical mass

10. Watch for defensive cards being played

11. Multiple Dame Annas:

12. Consider getting 2-3 if attack is effective
13. Space out plays to maintain pressure
14. Use as backup if one gets trashed

15. Can create devastating turns with multiple plays

16. Deck Building Around Dame Anna:

17. Include reliable draw
18. Maintain sufficient treasure
19. Consider alt-VP strategies
20. Build towards cards outside attack range

Common Mistakes:

1. Over-trashing:
2. Leaving insufficient treasure
3. Trashing too aggressively early
4. Not maintaining necessary card types

5. Focusing too much on trashing vs. building

6. Poor Attack Timing:

7. Using when opponents have few good targets
8. Not tracking opponent's deck composition
9. Ignoring defensive cards

10. Missing critical timing windows

11. Strategic Errors:

12. Over-investing in multiple copies
13. Ignoring other Knights
14. Not adapting to opponent's strategy
15. Failing to transition from trashing to building

Advanced Techniques:

1. Deck Tracking:
2. Monitor opponent's deck composition
3. Track defensive card usage
4. Note valuable target frequencies

5. Adjust timing accordingly

6. Multi-Knight Management:

7. Calculate trash risks
8. Position Knights strategically
9. Use as defense against other Knights

10. Time plays to maximize impact

11. Engine Integration:

12. Balance trashing with engine building
13. Maintain critical mass while thinning
14. Use attack to disrupt opponent's engines
15. Time transitions effectively

Sample Opening Strategies:

1. Dame Anna/Silver:
2. Basic opening for money-based strategy
3. Provides early trashing and attack
4. Flexible build path

5. Good with limited Kingdom options

6. Dame Anna/Chapel:

7. Aggressive trashing approach
8. Rapid deck thinning
9. Requires careful treasure management

10. Strong against engine strategies

11. Dame Anna/Village:

12. Engine-building foundation
13. Maintains tempo while trashing
14. Allows multiple Dame Anna plays
15. Good with supporting draw

Conclusion:

Dame Anna is a versatile card that combines useful trashing with a potentially powerful attack. Success with Dame Anna requires: - Careful timing of both abilities - Strategic deck building - Awareness of Kingdom context - Adaptability to opponent's strategies

While not always a game-defining card, Dame Anna can be a strong support piece in many strategies and a devastating attack in the right circumstances. Understanding when and how to use both aspects of the card is key to maximizing its potential.

Remember that Dame Anna's effectiveness varies significantly based on Kingdom composition and opponent strategies. Always consider the broader context when deciding whether to include her in your deck-building plan.