Monday night we were all Princes of Florence. At least as far as the game we played. This game involves developing a player’s Palazzi in to an area that will attract various professions and artisans who will then complete great works. The greater the work, the more Prestige Points you get. At the end of seven rounds the player with the most Prestige Points wins and becomes the Prince of Florence. Each round is broken into two phases: the auction phase and the action phase. In the auction phase, the players bid for various “objects†which improve their Palazzi which in turn can improve the works created there.  In the action phase the player can take two actions that either improve his Palazzi or completes a great work. Completing a great work earns him money and/or Prestige Points.
In our game, Owen shot out to early lead in Prestige Points. He soon lost the lead and was never heard from again. In his place was Mike. Mike’s lead became more commanding as the game went on. I believe at one point he had 40 points while the rest of us were struggling around 20 points. But fate is a fickle mistress. As the game was coming to a close, we were all able shorten Mike’s lead somewhat. Some of us even had a plan. Why are you looking at me? No, it wasn’t me. It was Ben. Ben had been hording prestige cards that can earn you from 0 to 8 points each at the end of the game. He used these to good effect. While me and Owen languished in third and LAST place respectively, Ben hoovered up enough points to go two points ahead of Mike and win the game.Â
It should be noted that during this game Ben and I switched brains. While Ben was making what appeared to be random, unpredictable, and insignificant decisions, I was trying to cheat. While not actually purposely cheating, I did inadvertently (and without conscious choice) try to cheat a few times—just like Ben.  So in essence, since Ben won the game using my brain, I claim victory!
Chaos Steve