Watchtower (Prosperity)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Watchtower:

Watchtower Strategy Guide

Overview: Watchtower is a unique card that combines two powerful abilities: hand-filling draw and gain-modification reaction. Its low cost of $3 makes it accessible early in the game, and its versatility allows it to serve multiple strategic purposes. Understanding when and how to use each of its abilities is key to maximizing its potential.

1. Core Functions

A. Draw Ability - Draws up to 6 cards total in hand - Functions similarly to Library, but with a fixed hand size - More efficient when your hand is smaller - Less efficient when you already have 4-5 cards

B. Reaction Ability - Can be used whenever you gain a card - Two options when reacting: 1. Trash the gained card 2. Put the gained card on top of your deck - Can be used multiple times per turn - Works with all forms of gaining cards (buying, Workshop effects, etc.)

1. Key Strategic Uses

A. Opening Considerations - Strong $3 opening - Pairs well with most $4 cards - Especially good with: * Silver (for deck control) * Workshop/other gainers * Mining Village/other villages - Consider double Watchtower opening in some kingdoms

B. Draw Power - Early game: Helps find key $5 cards - Mid game: Supports engine building - Late game: Helps find key Victory cards - Most effective when your hand size is 3 or fewer cards

C. Deck Control - Top-decking gained cards enables powerful sequencing - Can ensure critical cards are drawn next turn - Particularly strong with: * Terminal draw cards * Action chains * Treasure chains

D. Defense - Can trash unwanted cards being gained - Strong counter to attack cards that give junk - Protects against Cursers - Can manage forced gains from opponents

1. Specific Strategies

A. Engine Building Watchtower supports engine building in several ways: 1. Draw power helps find engine pieces 2. Top-decking enables better sequencing 3. Trashing capability helps maintain deck quality

Key considerations: - Use draw power early to find key components - Top-deck important engine pieces - Trash gained cards that would dilute engine - Balance number of Watchtowers with other engine components

B. Big Money Variant Watchtower can enhance big money strategies: 1. Top-deck gained Golds 2. Maintain consistent money density 3. Trash gained Victory cards until endgame

Implementation: - Buy early Watchtower(s) - Focus on gaining and top-decking treasure - Use draw power to find more buying power - Consider trashing early estates

C. Rush Strategies Watchtower can support or counter rush strategies: 1. Top-deck gained Victory cards 2. Draw to find key components 3. Trash opponents' attacks

Considerations: - Balance Victory card gains with economy - Use top-decking strategically - Don't over-invest in Watchtowers

1. Key Combinations

A. Gainers Watchtower synergizes exceptionally well with gaining effects: - Workshop - Armory - Ironworks - Expand - Horn of Plenty

Benefits: 1. Control placement of gained cards 2. Option to trash unwanted gains 3. Immediate access to gained cards

B. Trashers Complementary relationship with trashing cards: - Chapel - Steward - Trading Post - Remodel

Advantages: 1. Multiple trashing options 2. Deck quality control 3. Flexibility in timing

C. Villages Strong support for village-based engines: - Mining Village - Festival - Worker's Village - City

Benefits: 1. Helps find villages when needed 2. Can top-deck critical components 3. Supports larger action chains

1. Counter-Strategies

A. When Facing Watchtower - Consider rushing strategies - Focus on board control - Limit opponent's gaining opportunities - Force difficult choices between draw and reaction

B. Weaknesses to Exploit 1. Limited draw when hand is already large 2. Requires holding reaction for key moments 3. Competes with other reactions 4. Can be overwhelmed by multiple attacks

1. Kingdom Considerations

A. Strong Kingdoms Watchtower excels with: 1. Multiple gainers 2. Attack cards giving junk 3. Engine components 4. Treasure-focused strategies 5. Victory card gainers

B. Weak Kingdoms Less effective with: 1. Handsize attacks 2. Alternative victory conditions 3. Heavy trashing already present 4. Limited gaining effects 5. Terminal draw flooding

1. Timing and Optimization

A. Early Game - Priority on draw power - Establish economy - Counter early attacks - Set up engine pieces

B. Mid Game - Balance reaction vs. draw use - Top-deck key components - Maintain deck quality - Support engine building

C. Late Game - Focus on Victory card management - Counter opponent's end-game plays - Optimize final shuffles - Maintain winning position

1. Advanced Techniques

A. Multi-Gain Optimization When gaining multiple cards: 1. Plan gain order 2. Decide which to top-deck 3. Consider trashing options 4. Maintain reaction availability

B. Reaction Chaining With multiple Watchtowers: 1. Plan reaction sequence 2. Maximize benefit order 3. Consider hand composition 4. Balance draw vs. reaction needs

C. Shuffle Timing Strategic considerations: 1. When to force shuffles 2. Top-decking impact 3. Deck composition tracking 4. Opponent's deck state

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid

A. Overvaluing Draw - Don't rely solely on draw power - Consider opportunity cost - Balance with other needs - Watch terminal space

B. Reactive Misplays - Holding too long for reaction - Missing key moments - Poor gain timing - Suboptimal choices

C. Strategic Errors - Over-investing in Watchtowers - Neglecting economy - Poor timing decisions - Mismanaging reactions

1. Specific Matchups

A. Cursing Attacks Watchtower excels against: - Witch - Sea Hag - Mountebank - Young Witch

Strategy: 1. Hold for curse gains 2. Balance trashing vs. top-decking 3. Maintain reaction availability 4. Consider curse pile depletion

B. Junking Attacks Strong against: - Bureaucrat - Swindler - Ambassador - Cultist

Approach: 1. Trash unwanted gains 2. Maintain deck quality 3. Counter attack timing 4. Support alternative strategy

1. Conclusion

Watchtower is a versatile card that requires careful strategic planning and tactical execution. Its dual abilities provide significant flexibility, but maximizing its potential requires:

1. Clear strategic focus
2. Good timing
3. Careful hand management
4. Understanding of kingdom context

Key Takeaways: - Balance draw and reaction uses - Plan gain sequences carefully - Maintain strategic flexibility - Consider kingdom context - Watch opportunity costs

Final Thoughts: Watchtower's strength lies in its versatility and efficiency. While it can support multiple strategies, it's most effective when used with clear purpose and good timing. Understanding both its capabilities and limitations is crucial for optimal play.

The card's low cost and dual functionality make it a valuable addition to many decks, but players must avoid over-relying on either ability. Success with Watchtower comes from balanced use and strategic integration with other kingdom cards.