Tradewars - Homeworld: The "Death Spiral"

I guess it must be something about your game that you figure out the more the game is playtested...

We have NAMED the problem the "Death Spiral" and both Joe & I have seen the problem. So let me start by explaining the problem!

• When one player get further ahead on the Treasury (Bank) and earns the right to a 2nd starship.

This is the catalyst for the "Death Spiral". Let me explain what happens next.

• The player with 1 starship is always being attacked by his opponent who has 2 starships. Odd-wise it is likely that the player with 1 starship may lose his starship and have his Homeworld exposed on the next turn.

This process continues in a loop until the player with 1 starship loses the game to his opponent.

Okay so we have done some analysis and it's obvious that this pattern is only present to NEW players who are un-experienced with the game. Following our analysis, the obvious solution is BANKING enough quickSilver in order to secure a 2nd starship.

BUT this can be done in several different ways:

1. Use the Treasurer role for 2 cards and put out another starship (3 cards)
2. Use the Smuggler role and BANK 2 cards from your opponent and then put out another starships (3 cards leaving 2 or more cards in your hand).
3. Use the Tactic cards to help ensure you win the battle. There are several Tactic cards that can help you in this matter...

Tactic #2 is NOT obvious but it is a good way to piss off your opponent (since he is pissing you off by attacking, why not give him some of his own medicine!)

Tactic #1 while inefficient still is a way to TRY to catch up. Lastly Tactic #3 is good if you have the right cards to prevent or alter the outcome of space battles.

So we have played the game ENOUGH to have found this "symptom" of a player being in "trouble" (in the game). We offer these Tactics as solutions to help PREVENT the occurrence of this problem...