HI,

I just played my first couple of games in the last two days.

I read that some people bought more than one copy of the game. Why would someone want to do that?

because there are some cards you only get 2 of and some only 1. its to have at least 3 of every card which is a play set

Hmm. Well you would have 1 set of cards that is good, but a ton of leftovers. . .

What do you do with all of them?

Actually, there are more cards in x2 (55) as in x3 (40) in the box, so you wouldn't have that many leftovers (compared to a CCG, where you would get piles and piles of leftovers trying to get a playset by buying boxes). Additionally, a second box will let you build another pair of decks (corp and runner) at the same time.

Khudzlin said:

Similarly, unless you're making more than 1 of each kind of deck, majority of those cards won't be used at all.

Ultimately, it's a question of "Is spending more and having all these extra cards worth it just to complete sets or have more copies?" Some hardcore players with money to burn think it is; others don't, especially since expansions are likely to provide other cards that are likely to fill whatever may be needed.

I bought two core sets so I can demo the game to several people at once.

Rezin8r said:

Build more decks. I have two corp decks and two runner decks as I have two core sets. I also have a binder with one copy of every card in it unless I am using that card for reference, I do that with all the LCG's I collected. I am buying a third core set soon as they get back in stock for extras of the consoles, Ice Carver, Corporate Troubleshooter, Akitaro Watanabe and so I can build more decks to have at one time.

Toqtamish said:

I myself got 3 copies of the game and while I think it's great having 3 copies of a rare card, it's almost counter-intuitive when you think about it. Having 3 copies of a card you can only have one out on the field can work against you. I found myself drawing the copies of the rares in crucial moments of the game. I've found that putting 2 copies of a unique card works…but I digress.

Going back to the original post…

Having more copes of the core set just gives more options in the long run. Should you go 3? Probably, if you're looking to build a lot of different decks without compromising any of the ones you have or if you're planning on doing tournaments. 2 core sets? Probably if you're looking to be in it for the long haul and you're just playing for fun. 1 core set is (obviously) the minimum, but still provides more than enough options for deck building and fun. It doesn't mean tournament play isn't open to people with 1 or 2 sets, it's really just a matter of if you want the options or versatility (or if you just have the money).

radioactivemouse said:

Sure but I find it is useful for some to make sure you get them out. And with resources could be the corp trashes your first copy and maybe your second. Or with corp cards you can install 3 of them but only have one rezzed at a time which could be useful. Mostly I just want the options and the ability to have more decks as right now I am the primary one in my group who owns the game and provides the cards as I get others in to it.

It's all about options, me I like keeping my options open and maximizing what I can build at one time.

Toqtamish said:

I agree with you there, but it's not always wise to triple stack every card in your deck. I'm mainly talking about Unique cards. Putting (as a runner), say, 3 Toolboxes and 3 Ice Carvers sounds good, but 2 Toolboxes, 2 Ice Carvers and 2 Wyldsides or even something like Inside Jobs or Special Orders just makes your deck more versatile.

But it is a case by case situation. I'm not saying it's pointless to have 3 of every card, there just might be times where it may not be as efficient. Ultimately, do you want to have less options (having 3 of every card) in game and commit to a very limited strategy, or do you want some versatility in your deck by not triple stacking?

So, in essence BOTH our arguments are about options. I'm more about versatile options within the game and you're more about deck building options. There's no real right or wrong answer, it's just personal philosophy.

Honestly for me one of the attractions is now I can have 3 runner decks and 3 corp decks (no NBN).

Toqtamish said:

Somewhat ironic, given that your icon is a piece of NBN ice.

I'll be picking up my second core set once they're back in stock at Cool Stuff Inc. I'll definitely be keeping multiple decks for each side; it's a bit discouraging having to dismantle my deck every time I want to change factions.

As soon as you want to make 2 or 3 runners at the same time the are cards that you'll lack with 1 or even 2 core set (same if you want to build 4 corp)

For example aesop pawnshop is a x1 core set card, which i usually used x2 in each faction.

Same for corporate trouble shooter (usually 1-2 in each corp deck), Sansan City grid (at least 2 in NBN, 1-2 in HB)

And don't forget neutral cards such as Hedge Funds, Pad Campaign , Sure Gamble, Infiltration ans so on

That means that 2 Core sets is the minimum to build a competitive deck (corp and runner), you'll still lack some key cards if you dont want to dismantle your decks every time you changer your faction.

If you' re not in competitive play , 1 Core is fairly enough to play

If you want to optimize decks 2 Core is the minimum (up to 3 don't forget that not all x1 core set cards are unique)

If you want to build all factions deck you'll have to buy much more sets (my oponnent have bought 6 of them, just to be sure to have 7 decks ready to play)