[Startup] Tāo-jutsu (with guide)

So you want to beat Precision Design

This list is a variation on the Startup Tao list by @Deus Mortis designed specifically to be more competitive against PD-style rush lists by playing fast and aggressive.

Gameplan

The goal with this deck is to get the Corp off of their gameplan as quickly as possible. We can do this via direct disruption (Imp, for example), but our primary strategy is to establish a fork by presenting two simultaneous threats the Corp must respond to. This usually involves threatening an R&D lock with Conduit while simultaneously pressuring basically any other server.

Once the Corp ICEs up one of the attacked servers, we switch to a new one. The trick is that with Tao's ability and x3 Simulchip, we can always switch back to a previously targeted server at a moment's notice.

Spend a turn making Conduit runs on R&D.
They ICE up R&D and purge?
No problem: overwrite the Conduit with Sneakdoor Beta and start hammering HQ.
They score an agenda?
Swap the taxing ICE off of R&D, Simulchip away the Sneakdoor to get the Conduit back for 1, and resume the attack on R&D.

What to Install

With 3x VRcation and Diesel this deck draws a lot of cards. You'll often end up with programs piling up in your hand that you don't necessarily want to install immediately. The good news is that with 3x Simulchip, you don't have to! In a given match up there will usually only be 1-2 programs you need to install. The rest can be safely binned and Simulchipped back out if needed.

• Conduit - You'll want to install Conduit in most match-ups, since the threat of R&D lock is just very strong. You may want to bin it initially if they aggressively rush out agendas or preemptively reinforce R&D.
• Sneakdoor Beta - In match ups where HQ pressure is relevant, it's often correct to drop a Sneakdoor once the Corp puts 1-2 pieces of ICE on HQ.
• Imp - Probably the most versatile program in the list. In addition to providing general value, it can:
  • Snipe Vacherons against HB.
  • Be used defensively against kill decks to get rid of Punitive Counterstrike and Neurospike.
  • Clear out high trash cost cards like Manegarm Skunkworks and SanSan City Grid.
• Rezeki - Against Weyland it can be a good idea to drop an early Rezeki as fodder for SDS Drone Deployment. If it gets Ballista-ed you can Simulchip it back if needed, but I would usually save your Simulchips for more valuable targets.
• Self-modifying Code - Try to install these a turn before you use them if you have DZMZs installed so you don't waste the discount!

Using Tao

Tao's ability is one of my favorite runner abilities ever printed. It lends itself to burst plays, but you need to watch your credit pool carefully. You should always have a viable line of attack for after the next score/steal.

When the Corp scores an agenda, you want to set up a big dig the next turn with Conduit, Docklands Pass, etc.

When you steal an agenda, the first thing you should do is look for a 2-for-1, e.g.:

1. Steal an agenda from R&D.
2. Swap ICE on R&D with ICE on their scoring remote.
3. Run the scoring remote and steal another agenda.

When you use Tao's ability, try to choose one server as the "dump" server for the Corp's best ICE. Ideally this would be archives, but HQ is a close second since you can always Sneakdoor into it if needed.

Using Simulchip

Simulchip is really the star of this list. Things you can do with it include:

• Recover from an SDS Drone Deployment or Retribution.
• Refresh an Imp for free.
• Swap a Sneakdoor for a Conduit or vice-versa.
• Double-fire an SMC to fetch two breakers mid-run.

Remember: if you have the MU in the late-game, Simulchip + an unused SMC = Do-it yourself Clone Chip!

Problematic Cards and Match Ups

This list is tuned toward a rush-heavy meta.

This deck doesn't run Tranquilizer, Chisel, or Botulus. Its only answer to taxing ICE is to move it out of the way with Tao's ability or to rely on the one-of Boomerang. As such, games against kill decks running all 5/3s can be very high-variance since you may only get 2-3 ability triggers to deal with problem ICE. Additionally, the amount of multi-access in this list can leave you vulnerable to Punitive Counterstrike.

Potential Tweaks: Swap Jailbreak for Khusyuk. Drop Docklands Pass and swap Carmen for Bukhgalter.

This deck can also struggle against tag-heavy NBN lists since it doesn't have the economy to clear a lot of tags and still get accesses. Given the lack of tag punishment in Startup (and that this list runs no resources), it's often a good idea to go tag-me once you're close to establishing an R&D lock. Try to get an Imp out to trash Psychographics.

Potential Tweaks: Swap Boomerang for Clot.

Card Choices

To be honest, this list is pretty similar to existing Tao lists. The primary differences are in the interest of speed:

• Overclock over Daily Casts
• Jailbreak over Khusyuk
• Dirty Laundry + VRcation over Professional Contacts

The 1x Boomerang is a flex slot that can be swapped out depending on the meta.