Temple (Empires)

Temple Strategy Guide

Temple is a fascinating card that combines trashing with Victory Point (VP) accumulation, creating an interesting dynamic where players must balance deck improvement with scoring opportunities. Let's dive deep into how to effectively use Temple in your Dominion games.

1. Core Mechanics and Basic Usage

Temple serves two primary functions: a) Trashing capability (1-3 differently named cards) b) VP accumulation (both adding and collecting Victory tokens)

The key aspects to understand: - You must trash different cards (can't trash multiple Coppers, for example) - The VP accumulation is mandatory - When gaining Temple, you collect ALL Victory tokens on the pile - Each Temple starts with +1 Victory token inherently

1. When to Buy Temple

Optimal timing for Temple purchases depends on several factors:

Early Game (Turns 1-5): - Generally avoid early Temple purchases unless: * You have strong trashing needs * The kingdom lacks other trashing options * You're executing a specific strategy requiring early VP tokens

Mid Game (Turns 6-12): - Prime time for Temple acquisition when: * Your deck has diverse cards to trash * You can afford multiple Temples * You want to deny opponents VP tokens * You need supplementary trashing

Late Game (Turns 13+): - Consider Temple purchases when: * Significant VP tokens have accumulated * You need last-minute deck thinning * Blocking opponents from VP tokens is crucial

1. Strategic Considerations

Trashing Strategy: - Prioritize trashing in this order: 1. Curses 2. Coppers 3. Early-game cards that have outlived usefulness 4. Estates (situation-dependent) - Try to maximize the three-card trashing when possible - Consider keeping some variety of cards to ensure future trashing options

VP Token Accumulation: - Each Temple play adds 1 VP token - Track the token count on the pile - Consider timing purchases based on token accumulation - Remember that gaining Temple collects ALL tokens

1. Synergies and Combinations

Strong Synergies:

a) Card Draw - Laboratory - Smithy - Council Room These help you find more unique cards to trash

b) Gainers - Workshop - Armory - Engineer Enable quicker Temple acquisition

c) VP Token Generators - Groundskeeper - Basilica - Palace Create additional VP scoring opportunities

d) Return-to-Supply Effects - Ambassador - Trader - Herald Can increase Temple VP token accumulation

e) Multiple Action Cards - Village variants - Festival - Market Help you play multiple Temples per turn

1. Counter-Strategies

When Opposing Temple:

a) Tempo Disruption - Rush strategies to end game before VP tokens accumulate - Buy Temples early to prevent token buildup - Use attacks to slow opponent's Temple engine

b) Token Competition - Buy Temples when tokens are numerous - Time purchases to deny significant VP swings - Consider "defensive" Temple purchases

c) Alternative Victory Paths - Focus on Province/Colony strategy - Pursue alternate VP tokens sources - Build faster engines that outpace Temple scoring

1. Various Temple Strategies

Temple Rush: - Focus on acquiring multiple Temples quickly - Use cheap gainers - Build minimum engine components - Emphasize VP token accumulation

Temple Engine: - Incorporate Temples into larger engine - Use multiple Temples per turn - Balance trashing with deck building - Maximize VP token generation

Hybrid Approach: - Mix Temple purchases with traditional strategy - Use as supplementary trashing - Collect VP tokens opportunistically - Maintain flexibility in strategy

1. Kingdom Considerations

Favorable Kingdoms: - Strong card draw - Multiple gaining options - Additional VP token sources - Lack of alternative trashing - Slower-paced games

Unfavorable Kingdoms: - Strong attacks - Fast Province rush potential - Superior trashing options - Limited card draw - Cursing attacks (reduce trashing variety)

1. Multiplayer Dynamics

2-Player Games: - More control over VP token accumulation - Easier to track opponent's Temple strategy - Direct competition for tokens - Timing more crucial

3+ Player Games: - More complex token competition - Harder to control token accumulation - Multiple opponents may target tokens - Greater variety of counter-strategies

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid

a) Poor Timing: - Buying too early without trashing targets - Waiting too long to start collecting - Poor coordination with token accumulation

b) Trashing Errors: - Trashing cards needed for engine - Not maintaining variety for future trashing - Over-trashing leading to thin deck

c) Strategic Missteps: - Over-investing in Temples - Ignoring alternative victory paths - Poor balance between trashing and deck building

1. Advanced Techniques

Temple Cycling: - Build engine to play multiple Temples - Use villages and draw - Maximize VP token generation - Time purchases for optimal token collection

Token Manipulation: - Track opponent's buying power - Force suboptimal Temple purchases - Create token-rich opportunities - Block crucial timing windows

Engine Integration: - Balance Temple count with engine pieces - Maintain trashing variety - Optimize action efficiency - Plan terminal space carefully

1. Sample Opening Strategies

Strong Temple Openings: - Silver/Temple - Temple/Silver - Potion/Temple (specific kingdoms) - Temple/Temple (rare cases)

Consider these factors: - Available trashing targets - Kingdom support cards - Opponent's likely strategy - Long-term engine potential

1. Specific Kingdom Card Interactions

Positive Interactions:

Bank: - Temple's trashing helps concentrate treasure - Improves Bank's value - Creates strong money density

Laboratory: - Provides draw without terminal collision - Helps find trashing targets - Supports multiple Temple plays

Market Square: - Generates extra cards when trashing - Provides additional resources - Helps maintain hand size

Negative Interactions:

Cultist: - Competes for terminal space - Ruins reduce trashing options - Can conflict with timing

Knights: - Threaten Temple destruction - Reduce trashing flexibility - Create timing pressure

1. Conclusion

Temple is a versatile card that requires careful balance and timing. Success with Temple depends on: - Understanding token accumulation timing - Maintaining trashing flexibility - Balancing engine building with VP collection - Reading opponent's strategies - Adapting to kingdom context

Key Takeaways: 1. Time Temple purchases strategically 2. Maintain trashing variety 3. Track VP token accumulation 4. Consider opponent's access 5. Balance with overall strategy

Temple can be both a powerful trashing tool and significant VP source when used correctly. Master its timing, understand its limitations, and coordinate its use with your broader strategy for optimal results.

Remember that Temple's effectiveness varies greatly based on kingdom composition and opponent strategies. Stay flexible and adapt your Temple strategy as games develop.