SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence · Board game rules
How does the bot determine trace placement in a solo game?
Quick answer
The bot places life traces in the lowest available space of the corresponding alien species' column, using the decision arrow to resolve ties, and only uses overflow if all spaces are filled.
Details
In the solo game, the rival (bot) handles life trace placement as follows:
- Column Selection: When the rival earns a life trace, they identify the relevant alien species' column (based on the trace type).
- Lowest Available Space: The rival marks the lowest-numbered (leftmost) unmarked space in that column. If multiple columns are eligible (e.g., universal trace), the rival uses the decision arrow on their current action card to choose leftmost or rightmost.
- Overflow Exception: If all standard spaces in the column are filled, the rival places the marker in the overflow area below the column, scoring 3 points.
This process ensures the rival systematically fills discovery spaces, prioritizing lower-numbered slots and adhering to tiebreakers from their action card.
Watch out: The decision arrow’s direction (leftmost/rightmost) on the rival’s action card determines tiebreakers. Always check the card’s arrow symbol to resolve ambiguities correctly.
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