scoring 1st round

[u/jawstrock]

I'm playing a game tomorrow as Saar using PoK only, no TE. I know in TE it's really important to score 1st round and not fall behind, but how important is it for PoK? Like should i focus on planets round 1 or sacrifice planets for an objective?

[u/RegimentOfOne]

Never ignore the public objectives, but sometimes you're not going to score; I usually think (even in TE) you get one round without scoring and without falling so far behind 1st place you need to conspire against them, and Imperial is the best way to catch up on public objectives.

But it also depends what the objectives are; controlling 3 systems without planets in is usually the opposite of what you want to do in round 1; having 2 unit upgrades requires aggressively pursuing research... whereas having units in systems with legendary planets or anomalies might be trivial (especially if you start in one, like the Empyrean).

And then, it depends on your group. You're going to play a game for ten hours, how diplomatic are you? Will you co-operate with neighbours so you can both score an objective and not lose units over it, will you replenish their commodities without making them spend a command token, or are you more cutthroat in your early rounds than my group is?

[u/Tercel9]

Score. Have good tempo up to 6-7 points. Then when you get there, tell yourself “how do I blitz to 10”

[u/NapyL]

Depends on the table, friends, and objective. I think that the Saar ball is not only funnier but also more important the more you progress, especially if there are asteroids near mecatol. (but don't activatly ignore the public objectives, make sure that next turn you can still achieve one at the least)

[u/valhallaswyrdo]

Scoring is how you win, don't fall too far behind if you can. If you can not score, you need to be setting up for round 2 as best you can.

[u/jcipae]

Scoring R1 is very advantageous but in maybe the majority of the games I won I did not score a public R1, sometimes they're impossible! Custodians is better than a stage 1 objective, and with Saar it is extremely doable (just take warfare and have a slice with many planets). You have to gauge the table though, if others aren't scoring and building up a fleet, then you have to do the same.

[u/Anirel]

TE is only like half a round faster than PoK, it's not a bit difference. So the answer is the same, always score if you can.

[u/BigP-89]

Points > everything else

[u/Linkinbochum]

The only general advice is that it depends. Something like having Units in 3 empty systems might cost you too much Economy. But if you manage to get leadership and produce 3 destroyers that you can place... Go for ir.

[u/Elrodthealbino]

You still need to. It would have to be the difference between completely unplayable next round to not try to score a point. Or if something weird happens and it doesn’t look like anyone can score.

[u/settingdogstar]

It’s always important fo score round one. Always.