Steward (Intrigue)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Steward:

Steward Strategy Guide

Introduction Steward is one of the most versatile $3 cost cards in Dominion, offering three distinct options that can be valuable at different stages of the game. Its flexibility makes it a strong opening purchase and remains useful throughout the game, though its power level is moderate rather than game-dominating. Understanding when to use each of its options is key to maximizing its effectiveness.

Core Options Analysis

1. +2 Cards
2. Functions as a Laboratory-lite, helping with deck cycling and hand improvement
3. Most useful when you need to see more of your deck
4. Particularly valuable with action-dense decks
5. Can help find key cards or combinations

6. No terminal collision issues since you're not playing other actions after it

7. +$2

8. Acts as a Silver when needed
9. Helps reach important price points
10. More flexible than actual Silver since you have other options
11. Particularly useful in early game for economy

12. Can be crucial for hitting $5 or $8 breakpoints

13. Trash 2 cards

14. Powerful deck-thinning ability
15. Helps remove starting Coppers and Estates
16. Can be used throughout the game to maintain deck quality
17. More flexible than dedicated trashers since you have other options
18. Particularly strong in opening turns

Opening Considerations

Steward is an excellent opening card for several reasons: - Helps hit early $5 plays with +$2 option - Can immediately start trashing weak cards - Provides card draw when needed - Works well with most other opening cards

Strong opening pairs including Steward: 1. Steward + Silver - Reliable economy - Flexibility to trash or draw when needed 2. Steward + another $3 action - Can alternate between money and actions as needed 3. Double Steward - Powerful opening for aggressive trashing strategies - Can trash up to 4 cards in first two shuffles

Mid-Game Strategy

Steward's versatility shines in the middle game:

Economy Mode: - Use +$2 to hit key price points - Combine with other treasure cards - Particularly useful when you just need a bit more money

Draw Mode: - Help find key cards - Improve hand quality - Chain with other actions - Find your deck's engine pieces

Trashing Mode: - Continue removing weak cards - Maintain deck efficiency - Remove situational cards that have outlived their usefulness

Late-Game Considerations

Steward remains relevant in the late game:

Province Turns: - +$2 can be crucial for hitting $8 - Card draw can help find other key components - Trashing becomes less important but can still help maintain deck quality

Endgame Scoring: - Can help cycle to victory cards faster - May need to shift away from trashing to maintain deck size - Consider keeping as virtual coin rather than trashing late

Synergies and Combinations

Action Synergies: 1. Throne Room/King's Court - Multiple options in one turn - Can trash up to 4 cards - Flexible combination of effects

1. Duration Cards
2. Helps find duration cards more consistently

3. Can provide economy while duration effects are active

4. Villages

5. Supports action chains

6. Makes +2 Cards option more valuable

7. Draw-to-X Cards

8. Can help set up proper hand sizes
9. Provides flexibility in reaching target numbers

Treasure Synergies: 1. Platinum - +$2 option helps reach $11 - Card draw helps find Platinum

1. Bank
2. Card draw helps find more treasure
3. Can trash copper to increase Bank's value

Victory Card Synergies: 1. Gardens - Card draw helps maintain larger deck - Less emphasis on trashing

1. Duke
2. Helps find and acquire both Dukes and Duchies
3. Flexible support for different strategies

Counter-Synergies and Weaknesses

1. Anti-Trashing Effects
2. Watchtower can prevent desired trashing

3. Trader can interfere with trashing plans

4. Deck Size Concerns

5. Aggressive trashing can make deck too thin

6. May need to avoid trashing option late game

7. Terminal Action Density

8. Can cause collision issues in action-heavy decks
9. May need to prioritize +2 Cards less often

Comparing to Similar Cards

vs. Chapel: - More flexible but less focused - Better late-game utility - Weaker pure trashing power

vs. Warehouse: - More permanent effects - Less sifting power - Better economy option

vs. Chancellor: - More versatile - Better trashing - Less specialized economy

Kingdom Considerations

Strong Kingdoms for Steward:

1. Slow Kingdoms
2. Time to leverage trashing
3. Economy building important

4. Card draw valuable for finding key pieces

5. Engine Kingdoms

6. Helps establish engine
7. Supports card draw

8. Can remove unnecessary components

9. Big Money Variants

10. Provides economy
11. Helps thin deck
12. Flexible support role

Weak Kingdoms for Steward:

1. Rush Kingdoms
2. May be too slow
3. Trashing less valuable

4. Other priorities for actions

5. Cursing Heavy

6. Harder to manage trashing
7. May need other solutions
8. Can get overwhelmed

Playing Against Steward

Counter Strategies: 1. Rush strategies can punish slow trashing 2. Cursing can overwhelm trashing capacity 3. Junking can offset deck improvement 4. May need to compete for copies in specific kingdoms

Timing Considerations: - Early trashing can be disrupted - Mid-game flexibility can be important - Late-game utility can be denied

Multiple Steward Strategies

Single Steward: - Flexible support card - Usually prioritize one primary use - Adapt based on hand context

Double Steward: - Stronger trashing potential - More consistent effects - Can combine options effectively

Three or More: - Diminishing returns - Terminal collision concerns - May be worth it in specific kingdoms

Board-Specific Considerations

Colony Games: - Helps reach higher price points - Trashing more valuable - Card draw helps find Platinum

Shelter Games: - Different trashing priorities - May need economy more - Flexibility particularly valuable

Specific Kingdom Cases

Example Kingdom 1: Village, Steward, Market, Witch, Gardens - Support role in engine - Less emphasis on trashing - Help find key cards

Example Kingdom 2: Chapel, Steward, Silver Mine, Province - Supplementary trashing - Economy focus - Quick game support

Tips and Tricks

1. Opening Tips:
2. Consider kingdom pace
3. Plan trashing strategy

4. Watch opponent's strategy

5. Mid-Game Decision Making:

6. Evaluate hand context
7. Consider deck composition

8. Watch opponent's development

9. Advanced Techniques:

10. Multi-Steward sequencing
11. Timing with other actions
12. Endgame optimization

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-Trashing
2. Keeping deck too thin
3. Removing needed cards

4. Not maintaining economy

5. Inflexible Use

6. Sticking to one option
7. Not adapting to game state

8. Missing opportunistic plays

9. Poor Timing

10. Wrong phase of game
11. Bad sequencing
12. Missed combinations

Conclusion

Steward is a versatile card that rewards skilled play and good decision-making. Its flexibility makes it valuable in many kingdoms, while its moderate power level keeps it balanced. Success with Steward comes from:

• Understanding when to use each option
• Adapting to game state
• Combining effectively with other cards
• Maintaining good timing
• Avoiding common pitfalls

The card's ability to support multiple strategies while providing consistent utility makes it a valuable addition to many decks, though it rarely dominates games on its own. Mastering Steward's use requires practice and good judgment, but the reward is a reliable tool that can help in nearly any situation.