Groundskeeper (Empires)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Groundskeeper:

Groundskeeper Strategy Guide

Introduction: Groundskeeper is a $5 Action card from Empires that provides +1 Card and +1 Action, making it terminal-neutral (it replaces itself in both cards and actions). Its key feature is that while it remains in play, you gain +1 Victory Point whenever you gain a Victory card. This ability makes it a potentially powerful engine component in games where gaining multiple Victory cards is feasible.

Basic Characteristics: - Cost: $5 - Terminal-neutral (+1 Card, +1 Action) - Victory point generation through Victory card gains - Duration-like effect (remains active while in play) - No direct deck control or economy boost

Core Strategic Elements:

1. Timing of Purchase Groundskeeper is typically a mid-game purchase after establishing your deck's basic infrastructure. Key considerations for timing:

2. Early Game (Turns 1-4): Generally too early, as you need economy first

3. Mid-Game (Turns 5-8): Ideal timing if your deck can support multiple Victory card gains

4. Late Game (Turns 9+): Can still be valuable if you plan to gain multiple Victory cards in quick succession

5. Number of Groundskeepers The optimal number of Groundskeepers depends on several factors:

6. One Groundskeeper: Minimum viable strategy, useful when Victory gains are moderate

7. Two Groundskeepers: Common sweet spot, allowing consistent activation
8. Three or more: Beneficial in specific scenarios with frequent Victory card gaining

Deck Compositions That Support Groundskeeper:

1. Draw Engines Strong draw engines are crucial for Groundskeeper strategies because:
2. They help you play multiple Groundskeepers consistently
3. They enable you to gain multiple Victory cards in a single turn
4. They maintain deck functionality even after adding Victory cards

Key engine components that work well: - Laboratory variants - Cantrips with additional benefits - Village/draw combinations

1. Gainers Cards that help you gain multiple cards per turn are essential:
2. Workshop variants
3. Gain-to-hand effects

4. Multiple-gain cards like Ghost Town or Cemetery

5. Payload You need reliable money or alternatives to consistently gain Victory cards:

6. Traditional treasure-based decks
7. Action-based economy
8. Cost reduction effects

Specific Synergies:

1. Victory Card Gainers Cards that specifically gain Victory cards are premium with Groundskeeper:
2. Temple
3. Sacrifice
4. Patrician/Emporium

5. Border Village

6. Multiple Gain Effects Cards that let you gain multiple cards amplify Groundskeeper's value:

7. Workshop variants
8. Artisan
9. Horn of Plenty

10. Villa

11. Victory Card Interactions Certain Victory cards become especially valuable:

12. Gardens (each gain triggers Groundskeeper)
13. Mill (can be gained multiple times)
14. Great Hall (cycles while providing Victory points)
15. Nobles (flexible use while being Victory)

Key Strategies:

1. Engine-Based Approach The most common and often most effective way to use Groundskeeper:

Steps: a) Build basic engine infrastructure b) Add 1-2 Groundskeepers c) Include gaining components d) Begin acquiring Victory cards while maintaining engine function

Benefits: - Consistent point generation - Maintains deck control - Can pivot to alternate strategies if needed

1. Rush Strategy Less common but viable in specific kingdoms:

Requirements: - Efficient gainers - Quick deck cycling - Available cheap Victory cards

Execution: - Get Groundskeeper early - Focus on gaining multiple cheap Victory cards - Race to end game conditions

1. Hybrid Approach Balancing traditional point accumulation with Groundskeeper bonuses:

Components: - Moderate engine building - Strategic Victory card acquisition - Maintenance of deck functionality

Counter-Strategies:

1. Dealing with Groundskeeper Strategies:
2. Rush strategies to end game before engine setup
3. Pile control to limit Victory card availability

4. Attacks that slow down engine building

5. Defending Against Counters:

6. Include redundancy in engine components
7. Maintain flexibility in Victory card acquisition
8. Consider alternative scoring methods

Timing Considerations:

1. Early Game (Turns 1-4):
2. Focus on economy and engine components
3. Usually skip Groundskeeper unless kingdom strongly supports early Victory gains

4. Plan Victory card gaining strategy

5. Mid-Game (Turns 5-8):

6. Add Groundskeeper(s) to functioning engine
7. Begin incorporating gaining components

8. Start selective Victory card acquisition

9. Late Game (Turns 9+):

10. Maximize Victory point generation
11. Balance engine maintenance with point accumulation
12. Consider timing game end for optimal scoring

Kingdom Evaluation:

When evaluating whether to pursue a Groundskeeper strategy, consider:

1. Victory Card Availability:
2. Number of different Victory card piles
3. Cost of available Victory cards

4. Alternate uses of Victory cards (e.g., Nobles)

5. Supporting Components:

6. Presence of draw components
7. Availability of gainers

8. Cost reduction effects

9. Competition Factors:

10. Alternate point sources
11. Potential rush strategies
12. Attack cards

Sample Turn Sequences:

Early Engine Setup: Turn 1-2: Silver/Silver Turn 3: Village variant Turn 4: Draw component Turn 5: Groundskeeper Turn 6: Second Groundskeeper or gainer Turn 7+: Begin Victory card acquisition

Rush Variant: Turn 1: Silver Turn 2: Gainer Turn 3: Groundskeeper Turn 4+: Focus on gaining cheap Victory cards

Advanced Tips:

1. Timing Optimization:
2. Track shuffle timing for maximum Groundskeeper effectiveness
3. Plan Victory card gains to maximize points per turn

4. Consider keeping Groundskeeper in play across turns when possible

5. Pile Management:

6. Monitor Victory pile depletion rates
7. Consider alternative Victory cards when primary piles run low

8. Use pile control strategically

9. Engine Maintenance:

10. Balance Victory card additions with engine functionality
11. Include draw redundancy
12. Maintain gaining flexibility

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Over-investing in Groundskeepers:
2. Don't buy too many too early
3. Ensure engine can support multiple Groundskeepers

4. Remember opportunity cost of $5 purchases

5. Neglecting Engine Development:

6. Don't rush Victory cards before engine is ready
7. Maintain draw capability

8. Keep economy strong

9. Poor Timing:

10. Buying Groundkeeper too early
11. Gaining Victory cards too aggressively
12. Missing optimal gaining windows

Conclusion:

Groundskeeper is a powerful card in the right circumstances but requires careful planning and execution. Success depends on:

• Proper timing of purchase and implementation
• Strong engine development
• Strategic Victory card acquisition
• Maintenance of deck functionality

The card shines brightest in kingdoms with: - Multiple Victory card options - Strong draw support - Efficient gaining mechanisms - Cost reduction or economy acceleration

When these elements align, Groundskeeper can generate significant additional points while maintaining deck functionality, making it a valuable addition to many strategies. However, it requires careful balance and timing to maximize its potential while avoiding the pitfalls of over-investing in Victory cards too early.

Remember that Groundskeeper's effectiveness varies significantly based on kingdom composition and competing strategies. Always evaluate the specific context of each game when deciding whether to pursue a Groundskeeper strategy and how heavily to commit to it.