Squire (Dark Ages)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Squire:

Squire Strategy Guide

Introduction: Squire is a versatile $2 action card from Dark Ages that offers flexible benefits during play and a powerful on-trash effect. Its combination of immediate utility and trash-for-benefit makes it one of the stronger $2 cards in Dominion. Understanding how to maximize Squire's potential requires considering both its regular use and its trashing potential.

Basic Properties: - Always provides +$1 - Choice of three additional benefits: • +2 Actions • +2 Buys • Gain a Silver - When trashed, gain an Attack card from the Supply

Core Strengths:

1. Early Game Flexibility
2. Functions as an economic card (+$1)
3. Can help establish engine components (+2 Actions)
4. Enables multi-buy turns (+2 Buys)
5. Can improve deck density (gain Silver)

6. Low cost makes it easily accessible

7. Mid-Game Utility

8. Maintains relevance through multiple choices
9. Can be trashed for powerful Attack cards

10. Helps smooth out deck operation

11. Late Game

12. Can be converted into Attack cards
13. Buy mode helps with pile-out strategies
14. Action mode supports engine maintenance

Choosing Your Mode

1. +2 Actions Mode: Best when:
2. Building an engine
3. Have multiple terminal actions
4. Need village effects
5. Early in the game

6. Have other sources of +Buy and treasure

7. +2 Buys Mode: Best when:

8. Planning multiple $2-$3 purchases
9. Implementing a rush strategy
10. Need to gain multiple cards per turn
11. Working toward pile-outs

12. Have sufficient treasure

13. Gain Silver Mode: Best when:

14. In early game for deck improvement
15. Lacking other treasure
16. Playing Big Money strategies
17. Need quick economic boost
18. No strong engine components available

On-Trash Effect Analysis

The ability to gain an Attack card when trashed makes Squire particularly valuable in kingdoms with powerful Attacks. Notable Attack cards to consider:

Strong Gains: - Witch ($5) - Extremely powerful curse-giver - Mountebank ($5) - Strong Attack that also provides economy - Ghost Ship ($5) - Powerful deck disruption - Militia ($4) - Solid hand reduction Attack - Sea Hag ($4) - Reliable curser

Moderate Gains: - Margrave ($5) - Mixed benefit Attack - Rabble ($5) - Deck inspection Attack - Bureaucrat ($4) - Weak Attack but provides Silver - Cutpurse ($4) - Economic Attack

Weak Gains: - Spy ($4) - Generally weak Attack - Thief ($4) - Usually ineffective

Opening Strategies

1. Squire/Silver Opening ($2/$3): Pros:
2. Flexible development
3. Can pivot into various strategies
4. Good economic foundation Cons:
5. May be too slow for some kingdoms

6. Doesn't immediately address deck improvement

7. Double Squire Opening ($2/$2): Pros:

8. Maximum flexibility
9. Strong engine potential
10. Multiple trashing opportunities Cons:
11. Weak immediate economy

12. May struggle against faster strategies

13. Squire/Trasher Opening: Pros:

14. Quick access to Attack cards
15. Rapid deck improvement
16. Strong tactical options Cons:
17. Requires appropriate trasher
18. May sacrifice early economy

Key Synergies

1. Trashers:
2. Chapel: Quickly convert Squires into Attacks
3. Steward: Flexible trasher that works well with Squire's options
4. Trading Post: Can trash Squire while gaining Silver

5. Forge: Can combine multiple Squires for powerful cards

6. Engine Components:

7. Laboratory: Squire's +2 Actions helps chain multiple Labs
8. Hunting Party: Action mode enables drawing engines
9. Market: Complements all of Squire's modes

10. Festival: Strong payload for action-heavy turns

11. Buy Multipliers:

12. Workshop: Multiple buys enable gaining multiple $4 cards
13. Gardens: Buy mode helps accumulate Victory cards
14. Haggler: Multiple buys increase Haggler triggers

15. Horn of Plenty: Buy mode helps build variety

16. Attack Synergies:

17. Throne Room/King's Court: Multiply gained Attacks
18. Ambassador: Return gained Attacks for repeated use
19. Masquerade: Additional way to trash Squires
20. Upgrade: Can trash Squire while improving other cards

Counter-Strategies

1. Against Squire-based Engines:
2. Rush strategies before engine assembles
3. Cursing attacks before Squires convert
4. Possession to steal Attack gains

5. Duchy rush when appropriate

6. Against Squire/Attack combinations:

7. Moat for protection
8. Watchtower to block curses
9. Horse Traders for defense
10. Market Square for curse mitigation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Early Game:
2. Over-valuing Silver gains
3. Neglecting engine development
4. Trashing too early without plan

5. Ignoring kingdom context

6. Mid Game:

7. Holding Squires too long
8. Not considering pile-out potential
9. Failing to track Attack supply

10. Mismanaging trashing timing

11. Late Game:

12. Wrong mode selection
13. Poor timing of Attack gains
14. Neglecting alternate victory paths
15. Inappropriate trashing

Advanced Techniques

1. Squire Chaining:
2. Use action mode to play multiple Squires
3. Build action density for reliable chains
4. Consider payload requirements

5. Balance with other engine components

6. Tactical Trashing:

7. Time trashing for maximum impact
8. Consider opponent's turn
9. Track Attack pile contents

10. Plan for specific Attacks

11. Multiple Buy Optimization:

12. Calculate optimal buy combinations
13. Consider pile depletion
14. Track opponent's likely purchases

15. Plan for end-game scenarios

16. Silver Timing:

17. Early game deck improvement
18. Mid-game economy boost
19. Late game pile control
20. Consider alternate gains

Kingdom Considerations

1. Fast Kingdoms:
2. Emphasize early trashing
3. Focus on economic development
4. Consider defensive needs

5. Plan for quick game end

6. Slow Kingdoms:

7. Build engine infrastructure
8. Accumulate multiple Squires
9. Plan Attack progression

10. Consider long-term strategy

11. Balanced Kingdoms:

12. Maintain flexibility
13. Watch opponent's strategy
14. Adjust mode selection
15. Time Attack gains

Sample Strategies

1. Squire/Witch Rush:
2. Acquire 2-3 Squires early
3. Include reliable trasher
4. Convert to Witches quickly

5. Support with additional economy

6. Squire Engine:

7. Multiple early Squires
8. Focus on action mode
9. Add draw and payload

10. Convert excess late-game

11. Buy-focused Strategy:

12. Emphasize buy mode
13. Target specific piles
14. Control game pace

15. Consider alternate victories

16. Economic Focus:

17. Early Silver gains
18. Selective trashing
19. Support money-based strategy
20. Convert when economy established

Timing Considerations

Early Game (Turns 1-5): - Acquire initial Squires - Establish strategy direction - Consider trashing needs - Plan Attack progression

Mid Game (Turns 6-12): - Execute main strategy - Time Attack gains - Manage mode selection - Monitor opponent's position

Late Game (Turns 13+): - Convert remaining Squires - Control key piles - Execute end-game plan - Consider scoring position

Conclusion:

Squire is a remarkably versatile $2 card that offers both immediate utility and long-term potential. Its flexibility allows it to support various strategies while its on-trash effect provides access to powerful Attack cards. Success with Squire requires careful consideration of kingdom context, timing, and strategic objectives.

Key success factors: - Understand mode selection timing - Plan trashing progression - Monitor Attack availability - Maintain strategic flexibility - Consider kingdom dynamics

The combination of immediate utility and powerful on-trash effect makes Squire a strong contender for early purchases in many kingdoms. Whether building engines, supporting Big Money strategies, or enabling complex combinations, Squire's versatility makes it a valuable addition to many decks.

Remember that Squire's optimal use varies significantly based on kingdom composition, opponent strategy, and game state. Maintaining flexibility while working toward clear strategic objectives will maximize Squire's potential contribution to your victory.