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Flexibility is the key.
There are low flexibility tiles, medium flexibility tiles and high flexibility tiles. You will most likely end up with a couple of each type but it is the location of those tiles in the trip that will push your probability further towards winning. So which tile is which and where do you place them?
A low flexibility tile is one that has 2-3 countries bordering it.
e.g. – Tunisia, Gabon…
A medium flexibility tile is one that has 4 - 5 countries bordering it.
e.g. – Algeria, Ethopia, South Africa…
A high flexibility tile is one that has 6-8 countries bordering it.
e.g. – Mali, Sudan, Zambia, planes and automobiles.
Ideally you want to have the backbone of your trip centered on high flexibility tiles, allowing the most chance of drawing a required tile and being the first to complete your trip.
How do you do that?
I am glad you asked.
2 Distinct Phases
There are 2 distinct phases contained in the game.
Phase 1 - The Initial Draw.
Phase 2 - Replacing Tiles.
Phase 1 – The Initial Draw
The game can be won or lost here and it does come down to luck, but with the correct planning in the first place you can increase your chances immeasurably.
I believe the key spots are not the end locations day 1 and day 10, but the second from the end locations day 2 and day 9. It is these locations that you want to have the most flexibility. The number one contenders for those spots are either countries with many locations touching them or planes and automobiles.
So let’s start with the first tile. If I draw a low flexibility tile then I will tend to place that in day 1 or day 10 knowing that I will most likely replace it in phase 2 and keep my flexibility open for the more central days. If I draw a high flexibility tile I immediately place that in either day 2 or day 9. A plane in either of these days allows a high flexibility for day 1 and 10 and also keeps the options open for day 3 and 8. Knowing that I am going for planes in day 2 and 9, if I draw an automobile then I go for day 4 or day 7. Again this keeps the options open.
Once I get a high flexibility tile in day 2 or day 9 then I look to place another high flexibility tile in day 3 or day 8 that connects. If I draw low flexibility tiles then I keep those 4 days open (2,3,8 and 9) for as long as possible.
The point is to try to get as many tiles as you can in the right location so they don’t have to be replaced in phase 2 as well as keeping your options open. I have played a game where in phase 1 I had 8 days in order. However, for one of those days that was not in order to make my trip work I only had 2 tiles that would fit. With those odds the chances of me winning were low and as you would expect I did not win that game even though I had what looked like an excellent start in phase 1 with only 2 spots out of sequence.
Phase 2 – Replacing Tiles
The important part here is to watch what you opponents are going for. You can get a sense of what area they are not in by the tiles they discard. Also, if you pull a tile from the top of the unknown stack then where you place your discarded tile can make a difference. Try to cover up the more highly sort after tiles. Leave low flexibility tiles uncovered and cover up high flexibility tiles.
Be wary of discarding high flexibility tiles. If you draw a tile and it doesn’t fit your current strategy, make sure you try to discard a low flexibility tile if you can.
This game has been a surprise packet for me. I thought I would be playing it more with the family as a high luck game that the kids could easily win at. The kids are starting to refuse to play as they believe there is no way to beat Dad. However, it is my adult gaming group that has been requesting it the most. A great light filler. Enjoy your trip.
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