One Last Job

Zankoku 21

One Last Job

Just an attempt at making some sort of Smoke deck that sets up and then makes efficient runs. Many of the cards here are similar to the rather enjoyable n00b Kit, but in Smoke for click efficiency (less cash needed to break through big servers).

Like its more straightforward cousin, this Smoke follows the basic idea of Shaper runner - install the breakers, run the remote when ready, Legwork HQ, lock R&D.

Standard Cards

Nothing special here, these are core pieces of any Smoke deck.

Breakers

Atman is handy on the off chance you encounter some sort of AI. Corroder is cheap to install.

Cool Stuff

A combination of money cards and multi-access, mostly. Legwork and R&D Interface will help make runs efficient, while Desperado keeps money flowing if necessary against decks that play more remotes and force more runs in a turn. Levy/SOT is there to start the deck over once you've exhausted it and need to go into the late game. Kati Jones can help against a glacier out of scoring options and trying to force expensive runs on centrals.

Tech

Mostly anti-tagging. Interdiction can punish people who get careless about defensive upgrades, but is otherwise just a soft way to turn off troublesome currents. Film Critic is hugely important in today's meta, between Midseason punishment, Hunter Seeker, self-defending agendas, and Lakshmi Smartfabrics. New Angeles City Hall is powerful at shutting off 24/7's gameplan, as well as keeping yourself safe against value HHNs.

Something Nifty

So, hear me out - the opponent might be lulled into a sense of security when no Temujins make an appearance, but for once a turn, any open servers become a one-time 4-credit run! Just assign Security Testing to it, make the run, spend a stealth credit to put one on Net Mercur, then gain the 2 credits along with 1 more from Desperado. Just a fun little interaction I had during my time with Stealth Andromeda, so I thought I'd import it over here.

Possible Options

  • Clot - Good in its own right for stopping FA plans dead, along with heavily disrupting CI. Probably requires Sacrificial Construct support, though.
  • Patron - Assists runs, but maybe not as great in this build that's more oriented towards value runs.
  • Temüjin Contract - Super value, but I need more influence to work with. Might have to cut a Legwork and go to a native fracter like Blackstone for it. Weaker in a glacier-heavy meta.
  • Employee Strike - Disrupts various IDs, along with being another possible defense against CI.
  • The Gauntlet - Maybe a decent alternative for multi-access? Since this Smoke gets poor often, though, it's hard to justify the pick over Desperado.

Important Matchups

  • HB Moon: Probably loses? Desperado, Net Mercur, and Security Testing (lol) will help a lot here, as well as key Legworks. Kati Jones is likely too slow.
  • Foodcoats: Should be able to get set up in time. Make smart runs, save up for multi-access. Not as run-reliant since this doesn't play Temujin, but also isn't quite as capable of contesting the early game.
  • CI Combo (draw, penguins, moon): You have to be extremely lucky to win this one without the correct hate cards for it. Most of the time you'll just have to accept the loss. This matchup is worth teching for if you're expecting a lot of it.
  • IG Moon: This might be a lost cause, but there's room for some counterplay. Basically opening-hand dependent, where IG getting started early will cut you in half, while you absolutely need your breakers and money sources before you can begin to contest. Estelle Moon just heavily bolsters the archetype, granting massive consistency through the card draw and economy while providing more fuel for IG's archives protection. Levy will become absolutely necessary when it gets to the long haul.
  • 24/7 Combo: Dig for NACH, then dig for Film Critics. The worst case scenario of 3x MCA Informant means you will probably need to spend Levy to recur Film Critics. Don't make runs until you are set up. Be extra cautious about multi-access runs - accessing more agendas than your Film Critics can hold will leave you vulnerable. Should be winnable as long as NACH and Film Critics aren't all at the bottom of your stack.
  • Hatchet Skorp: Money the hell up. Stay ahead and invest in Kati. Teching SacCon/backup breakers for this matchup is doable if you're really worried about it, but I'd only do so if you're also slotting Clot for the CI matchup.
  • Jinteki Glacier: You can sometimes punish with surprise Interdictions, but usually they'll be smart enough to pre-rez Caprice. Don't over-contest Caprice unless you're feeling confident in your Psi Games, otherwise spend your clicks on setting up and running whatever's only defended by ice. Should be winnable unless they just chain rush Nisei MKII's on you.
  • Grindy Jinteki: Kati can help keep you afloat here. Desperado lets you contest assets. Levy gets you a second chance on life, but if you're against a dedicated grind consider digging for SOT and always leaving 2 clicks open for it in case of an Ark Lockdown. Install Film Critics, don't run things unless you have to.
  • Other Skorp: Install Film Critic, don't contest Marcus Batty unless you can land an Interdiction. Set up ASAP if you happen to be dealing with Khala Ghoda Real TV.
  • Weyland nonsense: Figure out the ruse and deal with it. Don't get over-eager and run into death.
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