Here's a 2357-word strategy guide for Stash:

Stash Strategy Guide

Overview

Stash is a unique $5-cost Treasure card that provides $2 when played and allows you to place it anywhere in your deck when shuffling. This positioning ability makes it distinctly different from Silver, despite sharing the same cost and coin value. While this might seem like a minor ability, proper use of Stash can significantly impact your deck's consistency and effectiveness.

Basic Characteristics

• Cost: $5
• Treasure value: $2
• Special ability: Control over position during shuffles
• Notable comparison: Silver (same cost and coin value, but without positioning ability)

Core Strategic Elements

1. Deck Tracking

The most fundamental skill for utilizing Stash effectively is deck tracking. You need to: - Know how many cards remain before your next shuffle - Track the position of key cards in your deck - Anticipate when shuffles will occur

Without this awareness, Stash's special ability becomes more random than strategic.

2. Positioning Options

When shuffling, you have several standard positioning choices for Stash: - Top of deck (next card to be drawn) - Second position (for draw-to-X effects) - Bottom of deck (to delay until next shuffle) - Specific position based on deck count and turn structure

3. Basic Uses

Opening Purchases

Stash can be a reasonable opening purchase when: - The board lacks strong $5 action cards - You want guaranteed $5 purchasing power on specific future turns - You're planning a treasure-heavy strategy

However, it's rarely the optimal opening buy compared to strong $5 action cards.

Mid-game Utility

During the middle game, Stash serves several purposes: - Ensuring specific purchase amounts - Setting up key turn sequences - Improving deck consistency

Late-game Considerations

In the endgame, Stash can help: - Secure precise Province purchases - Prevent dead draws - Control game tempo

Advanced Strategies

1. Draw-To-X Optimization

One of Stash's strongest applications is working with "draw to X cards" effects. Common examples include:

Library

• Place Stash second in your deck
• Library will draw through non-action cards
• Stash ensures you hit $2 while maximizing action density

Jack of all Trades

• Position Stash after revealing for Jack
• Maintains economy while allowing Jack to find actions

Watchtower

• Similar to Library interaction
• Can position Stash to guarantee specific purchase amounts

2. Action Phase Enhancement

Stash can improve the reliability of your action phase by:

Ensuring Terminal Space

• Position Stash after key terminal actions
• Prevents collision of terminal actions
• Maintains economic flow

Supporting Engine Building

• Place after drawing cards
• Helps hit specific price points
• Maintains action chain consistency

3. Multi-Stash Strategies

When acquiring multiple Stashes, new possibilities emerge:

Stash Stacking

• Position multiple Stashes together
• Guarantee specific buying power
• Create predictable treasure sequences

Split Positioning

• Distribute Stashes throughout deck
• Ensure consistent economy
• Maintain flexibility

4. Shuffle Timing Control

Advanced players can manipulate shuffle timing:

Forced Shuffles

• Empty deck deliberately
• Position Stashes optimally
• Reset deck configuration

Delayed Shuffles

• Keep key cards in play
• Maintain beneficial card ordering
• Control game pace

Synergies

Strong Synergies

1. Card Drawing

• Laboratory
• Smithy
• Council Room
• These help you find your positioned Stashes reliably

2. Deck Inspection

• Scout
• Oracle
• Spy
• Allows for more informed Stash positioning

3. Sifting Effects

• Warehouse
• Cellar
• Market Square
• Helps manage dead draws and find Stashes when needed

4. Treasure Interaction

• Bank
• Merchant Guild
• Crystal Ball
• Enhances treasure-based strategies

5. Duration Cards

• Wharf
• Fishing Village
• Caravan
• Helps plan future turn sequences

Counter-Synergies

1. Shuffle-Heavy Cards

• Scholar
• Inn
• Haven
• Frequent shuffling reduces positioning control

2. Deck Randomization

• Bureaucrat
• Fortune Teller
• Navigator
• Can disrupt carefully planned Stash positioning

3. Treasure Attack

• Noble Brigand
• Pirate Ship
• Bandit
• Can remove positioned Stashes

Comparison to Alternatives

1. Silver

Advantages over Silver: - Positioning control - Better with draw-to-X effects - More strategic depth

Disadvantages compared to Silver: - Higher cost - More complex to use effectively - Requires more attention and planning

2. Other $5 Treasures

Compared to cards like: - Merchant Ship - Cache - Fool's Gold Stash offers more consistency but potentially lower peak performance

Kingdom Considerations

1. Strong Kingdoms for Stash

Action-Light Boards

• Few terminal actions
• Limited draw effects
• Treasure-focused strategies

Draw-to-X Heavy

• Multiple Library effects
• Consistent deck inspection
• Predictable turn structures

Treasure Synergy

• Cards that benefit from treasure density
• Treasure-counting effects
• Economic acceleration

2. Weak Kingdoms for Stash

Engine Kingdoms

• Strong card draw
• Multiple villages
• Action chain focused

Attack-Heavy

• Frequent deck disruption
• Treasure removal
• Forced shuffling

Alt-VP Focused

• Fast game pace
• Limited need for precise purchasing
• Resource conversion strategies

Timing and Quantity

1. When to Buy

Early Game: - No strong $5 actions available - Planning treasure-based strategy - Need guaranteed purchasing power

Mid Game: - Supporting existing strategy - Improving consistency - Setting up key turns

Late Game: - Rarely correct to buy late - Exception: ensuring Province purchases - Specific combo completion

2. How Many to Buy

Typical quantities: - 1-2: Support role in action-focused deck - 2-3: Core economic component - 3+: Dedicated treasure strategy

Factors affecting quantity: - Kingdom composition - Opponent's strategy - Game pace - Available alternatives

Implementation Tips

1. Practical Usage

Record Keeping

• Track shuffle timing
• Note Stash positions
• Monitor deck composition

Position Planning

• Consider next few turns
• Account for opponent's likely plays
• Maintain flexibility

Execution

• Declare positions clearly
• Maintain game pace
• Be prepared for contingencies

2. Common Mistakes

Overvaluing Positioning

• Don't spend too much time deciding
• Accept some randomness
• Balance optimization with efficiency

Neglecting Alternatives

• Don't force Stash strategies
• Consider opportunity costs
• Remain adaptable

Poor Timing

• Buying too late
• Missing shuffle opportunities
• Failing to track deck composition

Sample Strategies

1. Basic Treasure Focus

Components: - 2-3 Stash - Silver/Gold support - Minimal actions

Execution: - Position Stashes for consistent purchases - Maintain steady Province buying - Control game pace

2. Draw-to-X Support

Components: - 1-2 Stash - Library/Watchtower - Action support

Execution: - Position Stashes after drawing - Maintain action density - Ensure economic flow

3. Hybrid Engine

Components: - 1-2 Stash - Strong action base - Strategic treasures

Execution: - Support action chains - Guarantee key purchases - Maintain flexibility

Counter-Play

1. Opposing Stash

When opponent has Stash: - Track their likely positions - Plan for their optimal plays - Consider tempo attacks

2. Strategic Responses

Acceleration

• Push tempo
• Force awkward shuffles
• Disrupt positioning plans

Disruption

• Use attacks when available
• Force frequent shuffles
• Contest key price points

Advanced Considerations

1. Multi-Player Dynamics

In 3+ player games: - Positioning becomes more critical - Shuffle timing more unpredictable - Greater need for flexibility

2. Tournament Play

Special considerations: - Time management - Clear communication - Position declaration

3. Online Implementation

Digital platform considerations: - Interface limitations - Timing constraints - Communication methods

Conclusion

Stash is a unique treasure that offers strategic depth beyond its simple $2 value. While not always optimal, it can significantly improve deck consistency and enable specific strategies when used correctly. Success with Stash requires:

• Strong deck tracking
• Clear strategic vision
• Careful timing
• Appropriate kingdom context

Understanding when and how to use Stash effectively can add another valuable tool to your Dominion strategy arsenal. While it may require more attention than a simple Silver, the additional control and consistency it provides can be well worth the effort in the right circumstances.