This page is dedicated to the type of strategy that is often neglected in 'strategy' articles and pages. I speak, of course, on the aspect that has nothing to do with deck construction, or even intelligent playing of the cards...the psychological game.

Now, you may say that true samurai need no lies or tricks to win. I would most humbly disagree. Deception is the weapon that will slay your opponents, and the shield that will guard your life. Without the art of a good lie, any game may be lost. Follow my advice, and you need not fear the result of a hundred games...Unless, of course, I am decieving you...

Lies, lies, lies...

In one on one matches, it does not seem like there is much deception involved. But there is, perhaps, more than meets the eye. For example, there are ways of subtly hinting towards a faulty course of action. For example, in any Scorpion deck, there should be a Bayushi Goshiu, even if you have NO way of causing yourself an honor loss. The reason - to distract your opponent from the more promising targets. Every turn someone good doesn't get assassinated or wasting diseased, you have more turns to accomplish victory.

However, in multi-player games, the art of deception is essential to keeping one alive. As any neophyte can decipher, there are a lot more people ready to rip your throat out given the oppertunity. The objective of a multiplayer is not to be the most force, but to convince the other players to destroy each other first. Eventually, the one who's the most powerful will run out of Rallying Cries, and the next-most oppertunistic person will attack him, and the chain will repeat itself. It follows that you will be in a position to destroy the last one standing, and win.

But deception alone cannot win. That much I will concede. You need to have no morals whatsoever. Sacrifice everything to win. Your own survival is more important than any promises, or any 2 honor award for allying. Always serve your own interests while convincing others to carry out your own agenda. Shame is a negative character trait.

Promises, promises...

Your main weapon in the arena of a multiplayer game is not your cards, but your words. You've got to be canny, and must promise chocolate and give carob. A silver tongue is a more formidable weapon than even a Naga deck left unmolested for 100 turns. But, you may ask, how do I accomplish this task of making half-promises? The answer, gentle reader, is phrasing. You've got to phrase your words so that you do not lie, but merely fulfill the letter of the agreement, and not the spirit.

Survival

Dead men don't win games. It's that simple. Carefully choosing what to play can dramatically affect your lifespan in a game. It would be wise to learn what cards to avoid using based on your gaming group's general dislikes.

There's daggers in men's smiles...

As you are reading this treatise, gentle reader, there are others who have access to it as well. Obviously, they will attempt to use the methods in it just as well. But, some people can be detected when they are attempting to decieve you. They are ones who cannot control their own body well. Subtle body language hints may reveal their intents. Learn these hints, and put them to good use, spotting their deceptions. But again, putting a plan within a plan, ape these movements and state the opposite of what you wish to occur. Thusly, the ones who know that body language to be a sign of deception will play into your hands.

Dealing with threats

When threatened, whine, cajole, snivel, whatever it takes to put doubt and pity into other players. If the attack is not called off, then at least you may have convinced someone to ally with you. Most people are easily drawn in by sob stories. Learn the way of the Crane, and you will go far.

But that is all the knowledge I can yet offer. Check back sometime, honorable reader, and learn more..for the Art of War is the Way of Deception.