SOME TACTICS...
The rules are simple but the game is very tactical.
Placement of the reefs and pieces
This is an example of placement for the white reefs and the red pieces.
The positionning of the reefs is very important. 1 mm can change a good place into a bad place. Let's have a look to the up left white reef on the previous picture, and let's say that the green player has already placed his black reef.
In example 1, the white reef is well placed, if a piece stops on it, it can enter the Sanctuary in the next move.
In example 2, the white reef is too close to the black one, and the piece cannot enter the Sanctuary in the next move.
In example 3, the white reef is far enough to the black one, but the angle does not permit to the piece to enter the Sanctuary.
In the game
It's better to get the Mercenaries out first, because they create areas where the opponent's pieces can be captured. Then you can get the Explorers out and make sure they are protected by your Mercenaries or by the reefs.
There is a lot of risk taking in Paleo. Am I strong enough to make this crazy shot with bounces on 2 sides of the board in which I will capture 2 opponent's pieces and make my Explorer enter a Sanctuary, at the risk that if I miss I will loose 2 pieces? Or is it better to move my Mercenary 5 mm to the left so I will be well placed for the next turn?
You have to make short-term strategies that you will have to adapt all the time, because the shot you planned has not completely succeeded or your opponent has made an unexpected move.
Example of a tactical point of view
Initial position:
Both players have an Explorer ready to enter an opposite Sanctuary and collect a key. It's Red turn to play. He can enter the Sanctuary, but if he does that, he knows that Green is going to do the same next turn. The Green Explorer is not protected by a reef and it's possible to capture it, even if he is protected by a Mercenary.
Red plays:
Red chooses to try to capture the Green Explorer, even if the shot with a bounce is quite difficult. He knows that if his Mercenary is captured by the opponent's one, when he will enter the opposite Sanctuary with his Explorer, he will be able to take it back.
On the other hand, if he misses his shot, at worst he will loose an Explorer (not really important), but if he succeeds, they both will loose an Explorer and he will have a key lead.
