One major thing needs to be understood about this card. It stops the corp from WINNING the game by having 7 points, it doesn't do anything to stop the corp from GETTING to 7 points. It doesn't stop them from advancing or scoring at all (like clot and price of freedom), so if they have an agenda in hand or on the board, Black File does nothing to prevent them from scoring it and saying "I win" 2 turns later. That means it's only useful in an extremely close game where you both are at match point and you need 2 extra turns to try to make sure they don't score first while you dig for the winning agenda.......and it costs you 5 credits. Plus it's only 1 in the deck, so the consistency of this card is very weak. It can feel great when it works, but very rarely will you have it in hand AND need it AND have the extra money for it at the same time. It's nowhere near reliable enough to be put in a serious deck. Disappointing, I know, but true.
♦ The Black File 5[credit]
The Corp cannot win the game except if you are flatlined.
When your turn begins, place 1 power counter on this resource. If there are 3 or more hosted power counters, remove this resource from the game.
Limit 1 per deck.
Fear the Masses (ftm)
#99 • English| Startup Card Pool |
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| Fear the Masses |
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Updated 2017-05-02
UFAQ [Damon Stone]
If both players have at least 7 agenda points while The Black File is installed, does the game end in a tie or the Runner winning?
The Runner wins and the Corp loses.
If a tournament game ends due to time while The Black File is installed and the Corp has at least 7 agenda points, what happens?
The Corp receives a timed win.
I suspect that this card will ultimately prove to be a very influential and powerful card, an auto-include in criminal and worth considering splashing in the other factions.
This card's effect, as compared to your expenditure, is utterly unparalleled. In return for one click and 5 creds you create a space wherein the Corp CAN'T WIN (save by flatline). You have the remainder of the turn you install it, then the entirety of the turn where it has 1 counter on it, then the entirety of the turn where it has 2 counters on it. Discounting the install turn (since the Corp doesn't score out on the runner's turn) and presuming no 5 click shenanigans, you get 8 clicks to fix a lost game.
This is, to be sure, a tall order. But the alternative is defeat. In a close game, is 8 clicks enough time to make your way into R&D one more time? Remember, it is only the Corp that can't win during this time. You can absolutely win yourself. This can lead to hilarious situations. Imagine the Corp losing 7 to 7, or, heck, 8 to 7.
A few notes:
First off, the best use of the Black File would be to have a way to install it as a paid ability. Put it on a Street Peddler or what have you. That way if the enemy isn't going to win you don't have to pay for it, and if you do end up installing it you don't lose a click putting it down. In this case you'd use it like you'd ordinarily use a clot.
Next, the Corp is not entirely powerless during these 2 protected turns. It is easy to imagine them staring at their 7 agenda points and just taking creds and adding ice, but they do have an alternative. If they can tag you there is nothing about this card which keeps the Corp from trashing it.
Also, this is a virtual resource, and therefore Apex can use it. Hard to imagine he has the influence to spring for this, but the possibility is there.
Jank review.....
Install The Black File
Do your thing for remaining three clicks and next 2 turns.
On the turn you would place the third counter on it sell it to Aesop's Pawnshop instead.
Somehow bring it back to hand.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Get killed by BOOM! or Jinteki.
edit: this wont work as pointed out below. Sad panda :(