Overview
This discussion provides a detailed walkthrough of mental math techniques for evaluating scoring scenarios in a deck-building roguelike game, focusing on quick relative comparisons instead of exact calculations.
Evaluating Hand Scoring
- Prioritize determining if the hand is "enough to win" rather than calculating the exact score.
- Compare potential choices such as using or saving powerful cards (e.g., glass or steel cards) based on their relative impact on score.
- Use simple proportion-based reasoning (e.g., times two, halved, increased by 50%) rather than exact arithmetic.
Card and Joker Impact Analysis
- Assess the contribution of specific Jokers (like flash card, runner, Fibonacci, ramen, hack) by comparing how much they multiply or add to base scores.
- Understand that with higher base hands (e.g., leveled up Full House), chip-based Jokers become less impactful.
- When multiple Jokers are present, prioritize copying those with the largest multiplier effect using blueprint cards.
Relative Calculation Techniques
- Evaluate changes by comparing the proportional increase or decrease between hands (e.g., a steel card increases by 50%, glass doubles score).
- Consider "what if" scenarios, such as removing a card or swapping Jokers, by estimating the relative score difference.
- Use recent round scores as a basis for ballpark future calculations instead of crunching full formulas.
Decision-Making Without Score Previews
- A majority of players prefer not having built-in score previews, as it preserves the fun and strategy of estimating.
- Use external tools for exact calculations only if preferred; otherwise, rough mental math maintains game flow and immersion.
Optimal Use of Copy/Blueprint Mechanisms
- Copy the Joker or card with the largest relative multiplier or additive effect for the current hand configuration.
- Adjust copying strategy if card enhancements (like glass or steel) dramatically shift the value of specific Jokers.
Key Gameplay Scenarios
- Sometimes, playing two pair with a steel card is more valuable than a Full House if multipliers align.
- Glass cards (which double score) or steel cards (which add 50%) can shift what cards or Jokers should be prioritized for copying.
- In decreasing hand value (e.g., losing a glass card), anticipate a halved or similarly proportional score reduction.
Recommendations / Advice
- Focus on relative multipliers—how much each card or Joker increases your base score—rather than exact numbers.
- Regularly compare your current and previous scores to quickly judge improvement or loss.
- For best results, copy the most impactful Joker for the current configuration and adjust as game state changes.