F@#$ Counter Intuitive Strategies (and maybe some other game play fallacies)

Last week, NF played Bohnanza, and the post game analysis got me thinking, Bean game is actually quite counter-intuitive.

#1 - you can't be a dick.  Normally people I would play with would rather cut off their own arm then help their opponent.    And you just can't be that demanding in Bohnanza.  You absolutely have to lose some trades to get to where you want to be.  And if you screw someone, you got to do it in a way that the victim either doesn't know or won't embargo you.



#2 - a card 5 plays deep in your hand is not an asset.    You MUST get it out earlier or switch your focus.  It's counter intuitive, because what if that is something you really want to plant?  Doesn't matter.  If it is buried that far back, it will take way to long to get into play, the opportunity cost is crippling. 



So what are some other counter intuitive games?

Scrabble!

See Mike's post for the exact strategery, but the winner of scrabble is often NOT the guy who plays the longest words.  It's the guy who takes advantage of the triple word and letter scores.

No Thanks!

You are trying to achieve the lowest score and cards count against that.  Why would you want to take cards?  Here's why.  No one is going through the game without taking cards.  With that caveat, it is to your advantage to take the 15, because that allows you to safely take the 14 or 16 later.


Next these aren't quite counter intuitive in my opinion, but some common game fallacies.



Tunnel Vision



Ticket to Ride -  the connections.  Connections are important, but a lot of players neglect the lucrative 6 spot rails to make sure they get connected.  It's opportunity cost again.  By getting locked into one aspect of the game you lose your chance at even bigger points.

Too much money

Race for the Galaxy, Brass and probably a dozen more economic based games.  There comes a time when you have to stop focusing on money and start focusing on victory points.  Failure to make this 'turn' will cost you wins.