Re: Illuminati, does anybody play this?

From: feminist@eskimo.com (William Affleck-Asch)

Date: Wed, 10 Aug 1994 21:20:20 +0000

In article <328jsl$3ka@larry.rice.edu>,
Michael Minnotte <minnotte@stat0.stat.rice.edu> wrote:
>In article <327630$3gv@illuminati.io.com>,
> kerry@io.com (Kerry Harrison) writes:
>>It's been a few years since I've played (I've actually been thinking
>>about getting into another game of it), but from what I recall it does a
>>very good job of capturing the feel of the boardgame and is quite fun to
>>play.
>>
>True, although there are some major differences (which work very well for
>PBM, I might add).  Such as the fact that all groups are available from
>the start, and the groups can be improved (or looted).
>
>>As for advice, that's simple, watch your back and trust no one.
>
>Well, first few turns try to get some of the better groups (countries are
>usually good, you should recognize most of the others) and get in touch with
>at least a few people.  Build up your illuminati - you want max (100?)
>power; don't bother building up other groups, but don't loot them either
>until your structure gets so big you can't use everyone efficiently.
>
>Subvert and attack to control neutral groups; subvert and attack to
>neutralize enemy-controlled groups.  Get an ally or two and attack
>together.  Because anyone can attack anyone else, and because of the non-
>simultaneous turns, two players should be able to get in four turns worth of
>attacks before your target can respond, which should usually be enough
>to neutralize his entire structure and destroy his illuminati.
>Superprobe _every_ turn, or get an ally to do it, so you can keep an
>eye on who are likely to be threats.
>
>If you come under attack, try to pick up a small group with your illuminati
>every turn.  If they don't know you've got it, they can't neutralize it, and
>therefore can't kill you.
>
>Finally, keep an eye on your allies.  In the game I played, one solid
>ally and I ended up in a major war with another strong team, while our
>third "ally" went around scooping up neutral groups and stomping on
>abandoned illuminati for the victory points.  He won.  By a lot.  And
>I have no one to blame but myself (and my solid ally, who got
>blindsided as badly as I did).
>
>That's all I remember off hand (this was several years ago).  But feel
>free to email any questions you may have.  (I won't guarantee the answers,
>but I'll be happy to provide them.)
>
>Mike Minnotte
>
Generally very good advice.

I can't add much - every time I play the board game people gang up on me
(I was one of the original Illuminati playtesters, back when my name was
William C.S. Affleck-Asch-Lowe - long story).

--
William Affleck-Asch  |  The above is my personal opinion and does not
Seattle               |  necessarily reflect my opinions as Treasurer
feminist@eskimo.com   |  of Washington State NOW or other organizations.

References

Illuminati, does anybody play this?
bryg@cup.hp.com (Bill Bryg)
Tue, 09 Aug 1994 00:56:16 +0000
Re: Illuminati, does anybody play this?
casbahcarl@aol.com (CasbahCarl)
Tue, 09 Aug 1994 01:38:03 +0000
Re: Illuminati, does anybody play this?
kerry@io.com (Kerry Harrison)
Tue, 09 Aug 1994 06:01:04 +0000
Re: Illuminati, does anybody play this?
minnotte@stat0.stat.rice.edu (Michael Minnotte)
Tue, 09 Aug 1994 19:02:45 +0000