by dr.mrow
The game we just finished was a good test of the limits of what England can do at peace. Spain gave away piracy VP's freely, and with above-average rolls, I was able to rack up 8vp for piracy, 2 for circumnav, 1 for Dee, and 3 for Liz. That put me at 20vp at the end of round 3, in fourth or fifth place. In other games I've seen, England has had crummier luck and been around 15vp's after Round 3. As I've never seen a VQ game go past round 4, hanging back and pirating is both boring and ineffective.All of which is to say that I think England must invade France to have a chance. Take Calais and Rouen, and England draws a fifth card, limits France's ability to win on Turn 3, and reduces the number of keys the Huguenots can take. Piracy is just a naval move away from home, and starting in Round 3, Drake can take cards from France, which really help weaken French defenses for an invasion. And if France marries everyone off, they won't get much sympathy when you invade. Better yet, if you actually take Calais and Rouen, England has some diplomatic options, AND is now enough of a threat that someone might actually play the English events.