Enchantress (Empires)

Enchantress Strategy Guide

Enchantress is a fascinating $3 Duration-Attack card that warps how your opponents' Action cards work. Let's dive deep into how to use this card effectively and understand its strategic implications.

1. Basic Mechanics

Enchantress has two key effects: - It prevents opponents from getting the effects of the first Action card they play each turn, replacing those effects with +1 Card and +1 Action - It gives you +1 Card at the start of your next turn

Important timing notes: - The attack effect lasts until your next turn - Each opponent can only have their first Action card affected - Subsequent Action cards work normally - The replacement effect is mandatory

1. Key Strengths

a) Disruption of Engine Pieces - Nullifies key engine components like villages and draw cards - Can prevent crucial payload cards from working - Disrupts carefully planned turn sequences

b) Economic Value - Provides +1 Card for its $3 cost - Duration effect means it stays in play, reducing hand variance - Can function as minor filtering when you need it

c) Tactical Advantages - Forces opponents to sequence their Actions suboptimally - Creates difficult decisions about which Action to "waste" first - Can protect against certain attacks by nullifying them

1. Primary Use Cases

a) Engine Disruption Enchantress excels at disrupting opponent's engines by: - Neutralizing key pieces - Forcing inefficient play patterns - Creating "dead draws" of important cards

b) Early Game Pressure - Can slow opponent's deck development - Prevents establishment of efficient Action chains - Creates awkward turns when opponents are trying to build

c) Defensive Tool - Can neutralize powerful single-Action attacks - Provides modest deck improvement while attacking - Helps maintain tempo while interfering with opponents

1. Key Synergies

a) Multi-Enchantress Strategies - Multiple Enchantresses stack effectively - Forces opponents to play through multiple nullified Actions - Creates sustained pressure on engine decks

b) Cursing/Junking Synergies - Combines well with cards that give Curses or Ruins - Makes it harder for opponents to clear junk from their deck - Amplifies the impact of other attacks

c) Duration Card Synergies - Works well with other Duration cards - Can create consistent attack pressure - Helps maintain board presence

1. Counter-Strategies and Weaknesses

a) Ways to Beat Enchantress - Big Money strategies are largely unaffected - Treasure-heavy decks can ignore the attack - Reaction cards can protect key Actions - Multiple small Actions can play through it

b) Inherent Weaknesses - Doesn't directly help you win - Takes up deck space - Modest payload for its cost - Can be irrelevant in some matchups

1. Specific Matchup Considerations

a) Against Engine Decks - Very strong against traditional engines - Can prevent critical mass from being reached - Forces inefficient sequencing

b) Against Big Money - Limited impact - May not be worth buying - Consider alternative $3 cards

c) Against Rush Strategies - Can slow them down - May buy crucial turns - Need to balance with your own strategy

1. Timing and Purchase Considerations

When to Buy Enchantress: - Early if opponents are clearly going for engines - When you see key Action cards being bought - As part of a multi-pronged attack strategy - When alternative $3 cards don't fit your strategy

When to Skip Enchantress: - Against primarily Big Money strategies - When you need deck improvement more than attacks - If better $3 options exist for your strategy - When game is likely to end quickly

1. Advanced Strategies

a) Multi-Phase Attack Plans - Combine with other attacks for maximum disruption - Use Enchantress to weaken defenses - Follow up with stronger attacks

b) Tempo Control - Use Enchantress to slow opponent's development - Build your engine while disrupting theirs - Create timing advantages

c) Defensive Applications - Protect against powerful single-Action attacks - Force opponents to waste important cards - Create breathing room for your strategy

1. Kingdom Specific Considerations

Strong Kingdoms for Enchantress: - Presence of strong terminal Actions - Limited alternative +Actions - Key payload cards that are Actions - Limited trashing options

Weak Kingdoms for Enchantress: - Many non-Action strategies available - Strong trashing options - Multiple village options - Treasure-based economies

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid

a) Overinvesting - Don't buy too many Enchantresses - Balance attack with your own strategy - Remember it doesn't directly help you win

b) Poor Timing - Don't buy too late when engines are established - Don't buy too early when other priorities exist - Consider the game state carefully

c) Strategic Misalignment - Don't force Enchantress into every strategy - Recognize when it doesn't fit - Be willing to ignore it when appropriate

1. Example Strategies

a) Enchantress Control Strategy focus: - Multiple Enchantresses - Additional attacks - Slow, controlling game plan - Gradual build to victory

b) Hybrid Engine/Attack Strategy focus: - Limited Enchantress support - Strong engine components - Use attack to gain tempo - Build to powerful late game

1. Specific Card Interactions

Strong With: - Other Duration cards - Cursing attacks - Cards that benefit from slowed pace - Alternative victory conditions

Weak Against: - Reaction cards - Treasury-focused strategies - Multiple village effects - Strong trashing

1. Tournament Considerations

a) Competitive Play - Often stronger in tournament settings - Players more likely to build engines - Can create crucial timing advantages - Psychological impact on opponents

b) Meta Considerations - Effectiveness varies with popular strategies - May influence opponent's opening choices - Can force suboptimal play patterns

1. Multiplayer Considerations

a) 3+ Player Games - Attack value increases - More likely to hit valuable targets - Can create interesting political dynamics - May want multiple copies

b) Team Games - Can protect teammate from attacks - Coordinate timing with partner - Consider team-wide strategy impact

1. Sample Opening Strategies

a) Enchantress/Silver Pros: - Early attack pressure - Decent economy - Flexible development Cons: - Limited improvement - Weak against money strategies

b) Double Enchantress Pros: - Maximum disruption - Consistent attack pressure Cons: - Weak economy - Slow development

1. Key Decision Points

a) Opening Decisions - Evaluate opponent's likely strategy - Consider kingdom alternatives - Assess game pace

b) Mid-Game Transitions - When to stop buying Enchantress - How to develop victory condition - Balancing attack with advancement

1. Practical Tips

a) Timing Your Plays - Consider opponent's turn structure - Watch for key moments to disrupt - Plan multiple turns ahead

b) Reading Opponents - Watch for strategy indicators - Adapt purchase timing - Anticipate counter-plays

1. Conclusion

Enchantress is a powerful but situational attack card that requires careful consideration of the kingdom and opponent's strategy. Its strength lies in disrupting Action-based strategies while providing modest deck improvement. Success with Enchantress comes from:

• Accurate assessment of its value in each kingdom
• Proper timing of purchases
• Balance between attack and development
• Understanding of opponent's vulnerabilities
• Strategic flexibility in implementation

When used correctly, Enchantress can create significant advantages through disruption while maintaining reasonable deck development. However, it's crucial to avoid over-investing or forcing it into inappropriate situations. Master these concepts, and Enchantress can become a valuable tool in your strategic arsenal.

The key to maximizing Enchantress's potential is recognizing when and how to incorporate it into your strategy while maintaining focus on your primary path to victory. Whether as a primary strategy component or tactical support piece, Enchantress offers unique opportunities for skilled players to create advantages through careful play and timing.