Craftsman

Basic Info

• Type: Action
• Cost: 2
• Effect: +2 Debt. Gain a card costing up to $5.

Rating

Cost 2 gainer for cost-5 cards. 2 Debt clears in 2 turns of buying — effectively "$2 for cost-5 gain". An upgrade over Workshop (cost 3 for cost-4 gain).

Best feature: turn 1-2 Craftsman → turn 2-3 cost-5 gain. Debt clears with 2 coin next turn.

Overall B tier. Rises to A on cost-5 strong-card boards.

How to Play

Early: must-buy at 2. Turn 1-2 Craftsman, turn 2-3 cost-5 gain.

Mid-game: multiple Craftsmen for repeat gains. Manage Debt.

End-game: can't gain Province (8), so phase out.

Key Combos

Craftsman + cost-5 power cards (Witch, Samurai, Lab; Litter is 6 — not eligible): Gain acceleration.

Craftsman + other gainers (Inventor, Remodel): Multiple gain sources.

Synergies

• Cost-5 power cards: Gain acceleration.
• Remodel / Inventor: Multi-source gain.

Counters & Bad Matchups

• Few strong cost-5 cards: Craftsman edge fades.
• Quick games: Debt repayment falls behind.

Advanced Tips

Craftsman is top pick for the 2-coin slot in 2/5 splits. Locks in a cost-5 power card from turn 2.

Multiple Craftsmen stack Debt — manage payment cadence.