Strategies:
Create blocks by playing high ranked cards in strategic positions.
Aces in the center space are strong for creating offensive blocks.
The battle for the center square is often started by the player with high ranked cards in their hand.
High and low ranked cards ultimately hold the same value at the end of the game.
Keep your lower ranked cards protected when possible.
Cut off the opponent’s connection to their home row with strategic plays.
Try to keep count of high ranked cards being played by both players, it matters!
Playing a card with a rank just above your opponent’s rank is often a good move.
A strong hand at the beginning of the game often becomes weak at the end, and vice versa.
A player should be cautious attacking aggressively if they do not have high ranked cards.
Strong blocks are often created diagonally using high ranked cards.
Taking an opponent’s space changes the score by 2 points, whereas taking an empty space is only 1.
Advanced Strategies:
Playing cards on an opponent’s side will minimize their available open spaces for lower ranked cards.
Play high cards on your own side only when necessary.
Kings in the middle of the board will often be taken by Aces later in the game.
Create advanced blocks using face cards by monitoring your opponents remaining face cards.
Kings on the edges of the board can force an opponent to play an Ace in a weak blocking position.
If a player prefers to have the last play in the game, they should place a higher card as their first move.
Having the final move in the game is often adventagous.
Leaving spaces open on a player’s own side allows for low rank cards to be played after blocks are in place.
If a player cannot beat an opponent’s higher ranked card in the center, they often build a bridge from the edge of their home row.
Techu Lingo:
Home Row: 5 horizontal spaces nearest the player (A1 – E1).
Defense: When an ace is played immediately behind an opponent’s already played Ace.
Bridge: When a player starts a new connection via the outside spaces, often to avoid confrontation up the middle.
Ima Kita: When a card played is the card that was just drawn, often in a crucial situation.
Battle: A space in which cards are growing incrementally.
Shunsatsu: When a King is immediately killed by an Ace.
Captured: When a high ranked card is cut off from their home row and surrounded on all sides.
Aiko-desho: On the opening move(s) of the game, if both players play the same card, they both draw again and play in their home row.
