Guardian (Nocturne)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Guardian in Dominion:

Guardian Strategy Guide

Introduction Guardian is a unique $2-cost Night-Duration card from the Nocturne expansion that serves three distinct functions: attack protection, minor economy boost, and immediate availability when gained. Its relatively low cost and multiple benefits make it an interesting consideration in many kingdoms, particularly those featuring attacks.

Key Features

1. Attack Protection
2. Protects against all Attack cards until your next turn
3. Works against multiple attacks during that period

4. Does not protect other players or prevent attack effects on others

5. Economic Boost

6. Provides +$1 at the start of your next turn
7. Essentially a delayed Silver that costs $2 less

8. Stacks with multiple copies

9. Special Gaining Rule

10. Gained directly to hand instead of discard pile
11. Can be played immediately if gained during your Night phase
12. Uniquely useful for immediate protection

Core Strategic Uses

1. Attack Defense Guardian's primary function is protecting against attacks, making it particularly valuable in kingdoms with strong attack cards. Key considerations:

Strong Against: - Militia/Militia-like discard attacks - Ghost Ship and similar deck-manipulation attacks - Witch and other curse-givers - Torturer and similar choice-based attacks - Sea Hag and other topdeck attacks - Bureaucrat and similar forced-gain attacks

Timing Considerations: - Protects through multiple opponents' turns - Must be played before opponents' attacks - Can chain multiple Guardians for continuous protection

1. Economic Engine Component While +$1 isn't dramatic, Guardian's economic aspect shouldn't be ignored:

Advantages: - Cheaper than Silver - Doesn't take up Action slots - Can stack multiple copies - Night timing doesn't interfere with main turn

Disadvantages: - Delayed payoff - Lower payload than Silver - Takes up Duration slots

1. Tactical Gaining The hand-gaining ability creates unique opportunities:

Benefits: - Immediate protection if needed - Can be gained and played same turn - Useful with gain-and-play effects - Strong with cards that gain cheap cards

Specific Strategies

1. Early Game Guardian Early game Guardian acquisition can be valuable in several scenarios:

Pros: - Cheap early defense - Economic boost helps reach $5/$6 price points - Can buy multiple copies easily - Doesn't compete with actions

Cons: - Opportunity cost of other $2-$3 cards - May slow down deck development - Less valuable without attacks present

When to prioritize early Guardians: - Strong attacks present - Few other valuable $2-$3 cards - Need reliable economy - Multiple night cards in kingdom

1. Mid-Game Integration Guardian remains relevant throughout the mid-game:

Key Uses: - Supplementary economy - Ongoing attack protection - Support for night-based strategies - Buffer against late-game attacks

Considerations: - Balance with other purchases - Duration pile-up effects - Deck velocity impact - Alternative defense options

1. Late Game Considerations Guardian's utility can shift in the late game:

Advantages: - Quick to acquire and deploy - Immediate protection when needed - Helps maintain economy - Flexible purchase timing

Disadvantages: - May be too slow - Could clog deck - Might be better as Victory cards - Limited impact on scoring

Synergies and Combinations

1. Night Card Synergies Guardian works particularly well with other night cards:

Strong Combinations: - Vampire (protection during transformations) - Werewolf (economy support) - Ghost Town (additional actions) - Devil's Workshop (gain-to-hand synergy) - Monastery (thin while protecting)

1. Gain-to-Hand Effects Cards that gain others can leverage Guardian's special gaining rule:

Notable Interactions: - Workshop variants - Artisan - Gain-based attacks - Transport - Ironworks

1. Duration Synergies As a Duration card, Guardian interacts with several effects:

Positive Interactions: - Fishing Village - Caravan - Haven - Wharf - Bridge Troll

1. Economy Enhancers Guardian's +$1 can be amplified by:

Multipliers: - Treasury - Bank - Grand Market - Merchant Guild - Forum

Counter-Strategies and Weaknesses

1. Limitations Understanding Guardian's weaknesses is crucial:

Key Limitations: - Doesn't stop non-attack negative effects - One-time protection per copy - Delayed economic return - Can cause Duration pile-up - Vulnerable to trashing

1. Counter-Play Opponents can adapt to Guardian presence:

Strategies: - Focus on non-attack interference - Emphasize trashing - Race for alternate victory conditions - Target other players - Leverage timing windows

1. Opportunity Costs Consider what you're giving up for Guardian:

Alternative Options: - Other $2 cards - Early trashing - Action acceleration - Direct economy - Victory token generators

Kingdom Considerations

1. When to Buy Guardian Favorable conditions for Guardian purchase:

Attack-Heavy Kingdoms: - Multiple strong attacks - Recurring attack effects - Limited alternative defense - Attack-dependent strategies

Economic Needs: - Few other $2-$3 options - Need for reliable income - Night strategy support - Duration synergies

1. When to Skip Guardian Situations where Guardian may be suboptimal:

Skip When: - Few or weak attacks - Strong alternative defense - Better economy options - Fast game pace - Strong trashing presence

1. Number of Copies Determining optimal Guardian count:

Factors: - Attack frequency - Deck size - Other duration cards - Economy needs - Game length

Typical Ranges: - Light protection: 1-2 copies - Moderate need: 2-3 copies - Heavy reliance: 3-4 copies - Full strategy: 4+ copies

Advanced Techniques

1. Timing Optimization Maximizing Guardian's effectiveness through careful timing:

Considerations: - Night phase sequencing - Attack anticipation - Duration stack management - Gain timing - Deck cycling

1. Multi-Player Dynamics Guardian's role changes in multiplayer games:

Adjustments: - Higher attack frequency - Protection prioritization - Political implications - Timing complexity - Purchase competition

1. Engine Integration Incorporating Guardian into larger strategies:

Approaches: - Support piece in action engines - Night phase economy - Defense layer in combo decks - Transitional component - Reliability enhancer

Sample Strategies

1. Guardian Rush Early focus on multiple Guardians:

Implementation: - Buy 3-4 Guardians early - Add payload cards - Maintain protection - Transition to victory - Leverage economy boost

1. Hybrid Defense Guardian as part of broader defensive strategy:

Components: - Mixed defense cards - Economy development - Strategic timing - Flexible responses - Victory transition

1. Night Economy Guardian supporting night-based strategy:

Structure: - Night card foundation - Guardian protection - Economy building - Action support - Victory conversion

Conclusion

Guardian is a versatile $2 card that offers significant value through its three core functions: attack protection, economic support, and immediate availability. While not always essential, it can be a powerful tool in the right kingdom, particularly when attacks are prevalent or night strategies are viable. Understanding its strengths, limitations, and optimal timing is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.

Success with Guardian often comes down to: - Accurate kingdom assessment - Proper timing of purchases and plays - Balance with other strategic elements - Understanding of attack dynamics - Efficient use of night phase

When used appropriately, Guardian can provide crucial protection while contributing to your deck's economy, making it a valuable addition to many Dominion strategies. Its unique combination of effects and special gaining rule create interesting tactical opportunities that reward careful planning and execution.