Taking advantage of mistakes by an opponent is something that I think is an important skill in Redemption, but I think it is even more important to develop the ability to
set up those misplays. A lot like chess, I feel. I had an example today, and wanted to share and see if others had similar stories to share.
I was playing a T2 game, and we were in a 5-5 tie. I had been getting absolutely shredded by his Isaiah offense that game, and knew I wasn't going to be able to stop him any longer. I had also been getting hampered by the fact that he had Nazareth active, keeping my best combos at bay. So, I set up a trap, hoping to pull out an unlikely win. I had the potential to defeat the Isaiah angels he was using, but I had no way to stop Isaiah himself without a lucky draw, and even then, he could rescue with a different prophet band that would be just as bad. I had to figure something out, so I set up a trap that would allow him to continue using Isaiah, just in the way I needed. I activated Golden Cherubim, which is always forgotten by players who have thrown out a Nazareth. He made a rescue, but had no Isaiah cards in discard, so he did not draw.
As anticipated, I could not stop him. At the end of his turn, though, he discarded an Isaiah enhancement for the next rescue, and I knew the danger was not seen. I just had to keep the trap baited for one more turn, and hope he thought he could walk past (which he could). After retaliating with my own all-out rescue, it was 6-6. Finally, on his turn, he attacked with the undefeated SeraphWLC-Isaiah band, which resulted in the mandatory search discard, place on top of deck, draw. However, this time, there was a card there for him to find, and since
Call was negating
Nazareth,
Golden Cherubim was available for use when he drew those cards. I searched out SoG, and ended the game before he could finish the rescue I couldn't stop.
One of the more interesting finishes I have had playing Redemption, and one of the few traps I've set that has ever worked, since most fail spectacularly. Anyone else have a story to share?
