Bergamot
What Is Bergamot — The Full Picture of the Discard+Retrieve Combo
Bergamot, Princess of Grand Elegance is one of the princesses included in the Heart of Crown base set. She can be purchased for cost 6, and after enthronement she has a special ability usable once per main phase each turn.
Bergamot's Ability in Detail
Ability text: Once per main phase, "Discard an action card from your hand → Add an action card from your discard pile to your hand."
Breaking this down step by step:
- Choose an action card from your hand and place it in your discard pile
- Choose an action card from your discard pile (the entire discard pile) and add it to your hand
At first glance it looks like "discard one, pick up one," but the value this effect creates is immense.
Why Bergamot Is Powerful
In Heart of Crown, as in most deck-building games, there is a fundamental constraint: "action cards can only be used once per turn." After you use an action card drawn from your deck, it goes to the discard pile and cannot be used again until the next shuffle.
However, with Bergamot, this constraint is greatly relaxed.
Concrete scenario:
- The Library (action card) you used last turn is now in your discard pile
- You have a weaker action card in hand (for example, a used Rider)
- You use Bergamot's ability: discard the Rider from hand, retrieve the Library from discard
- You can now use the Library again this turn
In this way, you can keep using powerful action cards every turn. By repeatedly using cards like Library that "generate bonus coins" or Alchemist that "increase draws," the buying power you produce each turn grows continuously.
Bergamot's Position and Comparison with Other Princesses
Among the six princesses in the base set, Bergamot occupies a specific strategic niche.
| Princess | Characteristic | Difference from Bergamot |
|---|---|---|
| Lurunazeika | Simple compression economy | Easier to use but lower explosive potential |
| Laoriri | Gains 5 court ladies at enthronement | Fastest post-enthronement speed; more immediate than Bergamot |
| Cramcram | All costs -1 | Cost efficiency advantage from the start; different strength than Bergamot |
| Flamaria | Gains 2 cards at enthronement | Planning-oriented; like Bergamot, "setup" is crucial |
| Bergamot | Action card retrieval combo | Top-tier economy when the deck is fully assembled |
Bergamot excels over other princesses in "power once the combo is complete." Laoriri wins on "aggressive speed," Cramcram wins on "cost efficiency" — Bergamot takes an entirely different approach.
Why the Difficulty Is Rated ★★★
Bergamot falls into the highest skill requirement category among combo-type princesses.
Why it's difficult:
| Challenge | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty collecting combo pieces | Multiple powerful action cards required; may not be available depending on supply |
| Timing management | Purchasing Bergamot is meaningless unless combo pieces are assembled first |
| Prerequisite for ability | The ability cannot be used if there are no action cards in the discard pile |
| Hand management complexity | Every turn requires deciding what to discard and what to retrieve |
| Vulnerability to disruption | If opponent removes your action cards, you weaken dramatically |
| Balancing economy | Allocating too many slots to action cards leaves economy cards too thin |
Conversely, when these challenges are overcome, the power is top-tier. Once you reach a state of consistently generating 20+ coins per turn, your speed of collecting succession cards will overwhelm other princesses.
When to Choose Bergamot
Bergamot is a princess with high supply dependency. She is not strong in every situation; her true value manifests when specific conditions are met.
Favorable Supply Conditions
Condition 1: Multiple powerful action cards are available
The most important factor is the variety and quantity of action cards that form Bergamot's combo.
| Action Card | Cost | Main Effect | Bergamot Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 Library |
4 | Bonus coin when action cards are played | S — Heart of the combo |
 Alchemist |
5 | Draw 2 cards | S — Increases draw to sustain combo |
 Supply Corps |
4 | Draw + economy | A — Versatile and easy to use |
 Rider |
2 | Draw 1 card | B — Also works as "discard fodder" |
 Mining Town |
4 | Action + economy | A — Contributes to combo chains |
 Ball |
5 | Multiple actions | A — Expands combo potential |
If two or more of these cards are available and you expect to obtain a total of 4+ copies, consider Bergamot.
Condition 2: Library is available
Library is uniquely important. Its effect of "gain bonus coins when action cards are played" pairs perfectly with Bergamot's ability to keep playing action cards every turn. If Library is in the supply, strongly consider choosing Bergamot.
Library's value multiplies with each copy. With 2–3 copies, the "coins per action played" effect stacks, meaning Library × 2 + 5 action plays = +10 coin bonus. This combination with Bergamot consistently retrieving Library every turn is the core engine.
Condition 3: Multiple draw cards are available
To "run" the combo, you need the ability to draw the necessary cards into your hand. The more draw-type cards (Alchemist, Supply Corps, Rider) are available, the more stable Bergamot's combo becomes.
Condition 4: Opponent is not playing a hyper-aggressive style
Since Bergamot takes time to build her combo, be aware that against ultra-aggressive strategies (like fast Laoriri), you may not be able to set up in time. Bergamot shines when facing players who favor time-consuming strategies or control-type decks.
Condition 5: Supply has few disruption cards
Curse Witch, Charm Witch, Battering Ram, and similar cards that target action cards specifically increase the risk of the combo being dismantled. Fewer disruption cards in the supply means more stable Bergamot gameplay.
Situations Where You Should Not Choose Bergamot
- Almost no action cards available in the supply (treasure/economy-focused supply)
- Opponent is playing ultra-aggressive and there's no time to build the combo
- You are a beginner and lack confidence in hand management
- Supply has many disruption cards that could destroy your action cards
- Neither Library nor Alchemist appears in the supply
Core Combo Mechanics (With Full Examples)
Step-by-Step: The "Library Loop"
The Library Loop is the most basic and powerful form of Bergamot's combo.
Prerequisites:
- Library is in your hand or deck
- At least 1 action card is in your discard pile
- Bergamot is enthroned (ability is usable)
Combo flow in a single turn (with 2 Libraries):
Turn start: Hand = Library A, Library B, Grand City, Lady-in-Waiting ×2
Discard pile: Alchemist (played last turn)
1. Play Library A
→ Library A effect: +1 coin each time you play an action card this turn
(Current coin count: Lady-in-Waiting ×2 = 4 coins, Grand City = 3 coins → 7 coins base)
2. Play Library B
→ Library A tracking: +1 coin (Library A effect fires on Library B's play)
→ Library B also adds its own tracking effect (+1 coin per action from now on)
(Both Libraries now stack: each subsequent action = +2 coins)
3. Use Bergamot ability: "Discard [unused action card] from hand, add Alchemist from discard to hand"
→ Alchemist comes back to hand
(Library A+B effect: using ability = +2 coins)
4. Play Alchemist: Draw 2 cards
→ 2 more cards enter hand
(Library A+B effect: +2 coins)
5. If drawn cards are economy cards → additional coin gain at treasure phase
If drawn cards are action cards → combo continues further
(Example: if Rider is drawn, play it for +1 draw and +2 coins from Library stack)
Through this process, it becomes possible to produce 12–20 coins in a single turn.
The key insight: Each Library played adds "+1 coin per subsequent action" for the rest of the turn. Playing Library first is the single most important decision. Playing it last means the bonus is wasted.
The "Alchemist + Supply Corps" Combination
A strategy of alternately recycling Alchemist (draw 2) and Supply Corps (draw + economy) using Bergamot.
Combo flow:
- Play Alchemist → draw 2 (pull more combo pieces into hand)
- Bergamot ability: discard an unneeded card, retrieve Supply Corps from discard
- Play Supply Corps → draw + gain coins
- (Alchemist is now back in discard) → retrieve Alchemist with Bergamot next turn
Once this "Alchemist → Supply Corps → Alchemist → Supply Corps" cycle is established, your draw count and buying power increase dramatically each turn.
Why this combo is exceptional:
In normal deck-building, using Alchemist this turn means waiting an average of 3+ turns before drawing it again. With Bergamot, you effectively use Alchemist every single turn. Across a 15-turn game, that's 15 uses × +2 draws = 30 extra cards drawn — a massive advantage.
The Ultimate "Library × 3 + Alchemist × 2" Combo
The highest-tier form of Bergamot's combo.
Combo flow:
Hand: Library A, Library B, Alchemist A, Rider, Grand City
Discard: Library C, Alchemist B (used previous turn)
1. Play Library A: +1 coin per subsequent action (1st Library)
2. Play Library B: +2 coins per subsequent action (2nd Library stacks)
└ Library A fires: +1 coin
3. Play Alchemist A: draw 2 (say: Lady-in-Waiting, Mining Town)
└ Libraries A+B: +2 coins
4. Play Rider: draw 1 (say: City)
└ Libraries A+B: +2 coins
5. Play Mining Town: coin gain
└ Libraries A+B: +2 coins
6. Bergamot ability: discard Rider (already used), retrieve Library C
└ Libraries A+B: +2 coins
7. Play Library C: +3 coins per subsequent action (3rd Library stacks)
└ Libraries A+B: +2 coins
8. (If any action cards remain in hand, continue playing)
└ Each use: +3 coins
Action phase bonus coins accumulated: 2+2+2+2+2+3... = 15–20 coins
Treasure phase: Lady-in-Waiting + City + Grand City = 2+2+3 = 7 coins
Grand total: 22–27 coins
With this fully realized deck, purchasing Emperor's Crown (cost 13) every single turn becomes realistic.
Prerequisites for the Combo
| Prerequisite | Importance | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| At least 1 action card in discard | Required | Without a retrieval target, the ability can't be used |
| At least 1 action card in hand to discard | Required | Needed as the cost |
| Bergamot enthroned | Required | The effect only works when she functions as princess |
| Powerful action card in discard | Most important | If only weak action cards are available, combo value is low |
| Sufficient economy cards in deck | Important | The combo alone may not generate enough buying power |
Handling "no action cards in discard" on the first combo turn:
On the turn immediately after enthronement, the discard pile may not yet have action cards. Solutions:
- If you have 2+ action cards in hand: play one, it enters discard, then use Bergamot to retrieve it
- If you have only 1 action card: play it into discard, immediately use Bergamot to get it back (self-cycle)
The Library Loop in Detail: Turn 12 Walkthrough
After enthronement (around turns 10–11), the combo enters full operation. Here is a concrete hand-by-hand breakdown of Turn 12.
Deck state: Library×2, Alchemist×1, Supply Corps×1, City×3, Grand City×2, Court Lady×3, Village×2, Rider×1 (16 cards total)
Turn 12 opening hand (5-card draw): [Library A, Library B, Alchemist, Duke, Village]
Discard pile contains Supply Corps and Rider used last turn.
Combo execution (step by step):
Hand: [Library A, Library B, Alchemist, Duke, Village]
Discard: Supply Corps (used last turn)
Step 1: Play Library A
→ "Gain +1 coin each time you play an action card this turn" activates (1st stack)
Step 2: Play Library B
→ Library A fires: +1 coin (for Library B's play)
→ Library B also activates its own stack: all subsequent actions = +2 coins total
Step 3: Use Bergamot ability
→ Discard Alchemist from hand; retrieve Supply Corps from discard
→ Library A+B fire: +2 coins (ability use counts as an action)
→ Running action bonus: +4 coins so far (2 Libraries played + 1 ability use)
Step 4: Play Supply Corps
→ Draw 2 cards (assume: City×1, Court Lady×1 drawn)
→ Library A+B fire: +2 coins
→ Running action bonus: +6 coins
Step 5: Treasure phase
→ Village: 1 coin
→ City (drawn): 2 coins
→ Court Lady (drawn): 0 coins (VP only)
→ Treasure total: 3 coins
Turn 12 final coin total:
| Source | Coins |
|---|---|
| Action phase bonus (Library×2 × 3 action plays) | +6 coins |
| Treasure phase (Village + City) | +3 coins |
| Total | 9 coins |
9 coins: Duke (8) + 1 coin left over. Or Senator (5) → 4 coins remaining.
Comparison without the combo:
Same opening hand [Library A, Library B, Alchemist, Duke, Village] with no Bergamot ability and no Library effect applied:
- Treasure phase only: Village = 1 coin
- The combo generates +10 coins more than doing nothing
Sample Game Walkthrough (Road to a Complete Bergamot Build)
Assumed supply: Library, Alchemist, Supply Corps, City, Metropolis, Rider, Donation available.
Turns 1–8: Combo Piece Collection Phase
| Turn | Hand | Coins | Purchase | Deck State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Village×3, Court Lady×2] | 4 coins | Library (cost 4) | Core piece #1 secured |
| 2 | [Village×3, Court Lady×1, Library×1] | 5 coins | 2nd Library (cost 4) | Two Libraries ready — stacking effect unlocked |
| 3 | [Village×3, Court Lady×2] | 4 coins | Rider (cost 2) | Best use of 4 coins: cheap discard fodder and draw |
| 4 | [Village×2, Court Lady×2, Rider×1] | 5 coins | Alchemist (cost 5) | Draw engine secured. Combo can now "run" |
| 5 | [Village×3, Court Lady×1, Library×1] | 6 coins | Supply Corps (cost 4) | Alchemist's cycle partner |
| 6 | [Village×2, Court Lady×1, City×1, Library×1] | 7 coins | Bergamot (cost 6) | Combo pieces assembled — buy princess |
| 7 | [Village×2, Court Lady×2, Alchemist×1] | 4 coins | City (cost 4) | Economy reinforcement for post-enthronement |
| 8 | [Village×1, Court Lady×1, City×1, Grand City×1] | 8 coins | Grand City (cost 6) | Coronation preparation complete |
Turns 9–12: Bergamot Purchase, Coronation, Combo Ignition
| Turn | Hand | Coins | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | [Village×1, City×2, Library×1] | City×2=4+Village=1=5 coins | Buy City (3rd). Waiting for coronation |
| 10 | [Village×1, City×2, Grand City×1, Library×1] | Village=1+City×2=4+Grand City=3=8 coins | Play Library → Coronate! Total 6+ coins with Grand City |
| 11 | [Village×2, Alchemist×1, Library×1] | Village×2=2 (+action bonuses) | Library → Alchemist (draw 2) → Bergamot: retrieve Supply Corps → Buy Senator (5) |
| 12 | [Library×2, Alchemist×1, City×1, Village×1] | — | Full combo active! See "Turn 12 Walkthrough" above → 9 coins generated |
Turns 13+: Life with a Complete Combo
| Turn | Coins | Purchase | Cumulative VP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 13 coins | Emperor's Crown (13)! | 14 VP |
| 14 | 15 coins | Duke (8) + Senator (5) = 9 VP | 23 VP |
| 15 | 18 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) + Court Lady (3) = 16 VP | 39 VP |
| 16 | 20 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) + Senator (5) = 17 VP | 56 VP |
| 17 | 22 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) + Duke (8) = 20 VP | 76 VP |
76+ VP by end of Turn 17 essentially guarantees victory.
Build Path Quick Reference (Fastest Route to Combo Completion)
| Turn | Purchase | Combo Progress | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Library | Core piece 1/2 | Highest priority. Buy immediately if 4+ coins |
| 2 | Library (2nd) | Core piece 2/2 | Two copies unlock the stacking bonus |
| 3 | Rider | Discard fodder secured | Best use of 4 coins. Later becomes Bergamot's "discard cost" |
| 4 | Alchemist | Draw engine secured | The combo's "engine." Buy at 5 coins without hesitation |
| 5 | Supply Corps | Draw engine backup | Alchemist's cycle partner for every-turn draw |
| 6 | Bergamot | Princess purchased | Combo pieces ready — unlock the princess |
| 7 | City | Economy reinforced | Ensure post-coronation buying power |
| 8 | Grand City | Coronation prep | The 3-coin card needed for coronation |
| 9 | City or 2nd Grand City | Coronation stabilized | Ensure 9+ coins reliably each turn |
| 10–11 | Coronate | Combo fires! | Achieve 12 coins while holding Grand City |
| 12+ | VP cards | Combo running | Generate 11–20 coins/turn for Emperor's Crown and Duke |
Minimum conditions for combo completion:
- Library ×2 (secured by turns 1–2)
- Alchemist or Supply Corps ×1 (secured by turns 3–5)
- Bergamot purchased (turns 6–8)
- Enthronement (turns 10–12)
Once all four conditions are met, the combo is live.
Phase-by-Phase Strategy (Complete Version)
Bergamot's ideal game flow is divided into 3 phases.
Phase 1: Collecting Action Cards (Turns 1–5)
The goal of this phase is to "gather the action cards that form the combo while building a foundation economy." You will usually not purchase Bergamot herself during this phase.
Action card purchase priorities:
Top Priority (always secure 2–3 copies if seen):
- Library (cost 4) — Core of the combo. Multiple copies stack the "bonus coin per action" effect. This is the single most important card to acquire.
- Alchemist (cost 5) — Increases draw. Secure 1–2 to dramatically improve deck cycling speed.
Priority (actively secure if available):
- Supply Corps (cost 4) — Balances draw and coins; excellent as Alchemist substitute or complement
- Mining Town (cost 4) — Convenient card that generates coins while consuming action plays
Supplementary (useful as "discard fodder"):
- Rider (cost 2) — Cheap 1-draw. Useful for hand adjustment and can be consumed as Bergamot's discard cost
- Ball (cost 5) — Grants multiple actions; expands combo chains
Economy and Action Card Balance:
| Turn Range | Coin Range | Purchase Priority | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn 1 | 2–3 coins | Rider (2) or Donation (2) | Best use of low-coin turns |
| Turn 2 | 3–4 coins | Library (4) or City (4) | Library is top priority at 4 coins |
| Turn 3 | 4–5 coins | Library 2nd copy or Alchemist start | Build combo core |
| Turn 4 | 5–6 coins | Alchemist (5) or Supply Corps (4) | Secure draw sources |
| Turn 5 | 5–7 coins | Library 3rd or Bergamot prep | Refine combo assembly |
What NOT to do in Phase 1:
- Buy only City cards (4–5 copies) without any action cards → economy rises but combo never forms
- Over-invest in Donation (3+ copies) → deck gets too small before action cards are in place
- Skip Library when it's available → by the time you realize the mistake, supply may be gone
Phase 2: Establishing the Combo (Turns 6–12)
This phase is about "integrating the collected action cards into the deck and creating the state where the combo starts running."
Conditions for the combo to start working:
- Library: 1–2 copies in deck
- Alchemist or Supply Corps: 1–2 copies in deck
- Total action cards ≥ 25% of deck size (4+ cards in a 15-card deck)
When these conditions are met, drawing 5 cards per turn will frequently yield 1–2 action cards in hand.
Mid-game checkpoints when the combo hasn't started yet:
- Fewer than 3 action cards in deck: too early for combo; acquire 1–2 more
- No Library in deck: acquire urgently (top priority purchase if in stock)
- Library in deck but no draw cards: next purchase should be Alchemist/Supply Corps/Rider
Bergamot Purchase Timing (after combo pieces are assembled):
Bergamot costs 6 and is a princess. However, "buy and immediately enthrone" is not the right approach — first assemble the combo pieces, then purchase Bergamot.
Why:
- Bergamot's ability only works "during the main phase after enthronement"
- Buying Bergamot without enthronement just adds a dead card to your deck
- Enthroning with an incomplete combo means the ability retrieves only weak action cards
Ideal purchase and enthronement timeline:
| Step | Target Turn | Action | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library ×1 purchased | Turn 2–4 | Combo core secured | Highest priority card |
| Library ×2 purchased | Turn 4–6 | Combo stabilizes with two copies | Two copies enable stacking effect |
| Alchemist ×1 purchased | Turn 5–7 | Draw source secured | The "engine" of the combo |
| Bergamot purchased | Turn 7–9 | Princess added to deck | After combo pieces are in place |
| Grand City purchased | Turn 8–10 | 3-coin enthronement card secured | Enthronement preparation |
| Enthronement | Turn 10–13 | Combo activation begins | Full preparation complete |
Pre-Bergamot-purchase final checklist:
- At least 1 Library is in the deck
- At least 1 draw action card (Alchemist/Supply Corps) is in the deck
- The concept of "accumulating action cards in the discard pile" is clear
- Speed check: can you enthrone before the opponent gets too far ahead?
The most common Phase 2 mistake:
"Too many action cards, too few economy cards." Action cards are the combo's fuel, but if the treasure phase generates no coins, succession cards can't be purchased.
Rule of thumb: Action cards : Economy cards ≈ 4:8 in a 20-card deck. Economy cards (City × 3–4, Grand City × 1–2, Lady-in-Waiting × 3) should total at least 8–10 cards.
Phase 3: Combo Explosion and Succession Point Collection
With the combo fully established, this phase is about collecting succession points as efficiently as possible.
Fully realized combo deck — ideal card list (19 cards total):
| Card | Count | Role | Turn Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm | 2 | Residual (removable) | None (dead weight) |
| Lady-in-Waiting | 3 | Base deck (2 VP × 3 = 6 VP) | 0 coins (VP only) |
| City | 3 | Main economy | 2 coins × 3 = 6 coins |
| Grand City | 2 | High-value economy | 3 coins × 2 = 6 coins |
| Library | 3 | Combo heart | +3 coins per action played (3 copies stacked) |
| Alchemist | 2 | Draw source | +2 draws per use |
| Supply Corps | 2 | Draw + coins | Draw + coins per use |
| Bergamot | 1 | Princess (enthroned) | Action card retrieval |
Expected coins per turn with this deck: 15–22 coins
Expected coin calculation breakdown:
- Economy cards in 5-card draw (10 economy out of 19 total) ≈ 2.6 economy cards per turn
- 2.6 cards × average 2 coins = ~5.2 coins from treasure phase
- Action cards in 5-card draw (8 action cards out of 19) ≈ 2.1 action cards per turn
- Library stacking bonus: Library × 2 + 5 action plays = +10 coin bonus
- Total: ~15–22 coins per turn consistently
Ideal succession point purchase order (by cost efficiency):
| Purchase Priority | Card | Cost | Points | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Councillor | 5 | 3 pts | 1.67 coins/pt |
| 2 | Margrave | 6 | 3 pts + special | Effectively 1.5 or better |
| 3 | Duke | 8 | 6 pts | 1.33 coins/pt — best value overall |
| 4 | Lady-in-Waiting | 3 | 2 pts | 1.5 coins/pt |
| 5 | Emperor's Crown | 13 | 14 pts | 0.93 coins/pt — absolute best |
Pure efficiency-wise, Emperor's Crown is the best purchase. Securing it as soon as the combo is online is optimal.
Sample purchase plan after enthronement (mid-speed combo):
Enthronement turn (combo unstable): 12 coins
→ Councillor (5 pts) + Councillor (5 pts) = 6 pts purchased
Turn 2 post-enthronement (combo starts): 16 coins
→ Duke (8, 6 pts) + Councillor (5, 3 pts) = 9 pts purchased
Turn 3–5 post-enthronement (combo complete): 20+ coins
→ Emperor's Crown (13, 14 pts) + Councillor (5, 3 pts) = 17 pts purchased
OR Duke (8, 6 pts) + Duke (8, 6 pts) = 12 pts purchased
Over 5–6 turns total:
6 + 9 + 17 + 17 + 17 ≈ 66+ succession points secured
Combo Piece Priority Ranking
S Tier: Heart of the combo (always secure)
| Card | Cost | Target Copies | Reason | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Library |
4 | 2–3 | Coin bonus per action played; multiple copies stack | None (irreplaceable) |
| Alchemist |
5 | 1–2 | Draw +2; dramatically increases ability to pull combo pieces | Supply Corps (partial) |
A Tier: Strengthens and stabilizes combo (actively secure)
| Card | Cost | Target Copies | Reason | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply Corps |
4 | 1–2 | Draw + coins; excellent as Alchemist substitute | Alchemist |
| Mining Town |
4 | 1–2 | Generates coins while consuming action plays | Rider + City |
| Ball |
5 | 1 | Multiple actions; enables combo card spam turns | — |
B Tier: Functions as "discard fodder" (1–2 copies)
| Card | Cost | Target Copies | Reason | Value as Fodder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider |
2 | 1–2 | Cheap action card; easy to use as Bergamot's discard cost | High (cheap and accessible) |
 Star Reader Witch |
3 | 1 | Deck-top manipulation for advanced techniques | Medium (advanced use) |
Cards to Skip (when using Bergamot)
- Donation (over-buying): 1–2 copies is enough. Bergamot's draw power reduces the impact of Farm cards
- Excess economy stacking: Grand City × 4+ is unnecessary; the combo compensates
- Early disruption cards: Disrupts economy and action card balance in early/mid game
When Bergamot Is Weak and How to Deal With It
Situation 1: No Action Cards in Supply
Problem: Action cards are barely present in the supply and combo pieces can't be assembled.
Solutions:
- Switch to a different princess — This is always the best option. Bergamot has extremely high supply dependency; without combo pieces, switch to alternatives like Laoriri or Lurunazeika.
- Compromise with available action cards — Gather cost-efficient action cards like Rider (cost 2) or Mining Town (cost 4) and try to form a weaker combo.
- Shift to "economy-type Bergamot" — Without Library, run an "Alchemist + Supply Corps draw-heavy" variant. Bergamot's ability weakens but isn't completely wasted.
Minimum combo conditions without Library:
- Alchemist × 2 + Supply Corps × 2 → at minimum +4–6 extra draws per turn
- Bergamot cycles "Alchemist → Supply Corps → Alchemist" every turn
- Strategy shifts to drawing the entire deck rapidly to access all economy cards
Situation 2: Disruption Destroys the Combo
Problem: Curse Witch or Charm Witch forces discarding of your action cards.
| Disruption Card | Counter |
|---|---|
| Curse Witch (distributes curses) | Add a curse removal card to deck |
| Charm Witch (forces discarding action cards) | Secure extra action cards to prevent depletion |
| Farmland Decree (distributes farms) | Buy additional Donations to immediately remove farms |
| Battering Ram (forces discarding from hand) | Don't over-hold cards; play action cards out each turn |
Key countermeasure: Rather than having the "minimum necessary" action cards, secure enough to have a buffer against disruption. Aim for 3 Libraries instead of 2, 2 Alchemists instead of 1. The "disruption resistance" mindset means always having 1–2 spare copies of each critical action card.
Situation 3: Enthronement Is Too Slow
Problem: Spending too much time building the combo lets the opponent extend their lead.
Solutions:
- Move up the enthronement timing — Even with an incomplete combo (Library ×1, Alchemist ×1), enthroning and fighting with a partial combo is still viable.
- Secure succession points early — After enthronement, immediately start buying Councillors (cost 5) to close the point gap.
- Fight with a "rough combo" — A partial combo still provides some economic advantage.
Guideline to prevent "regret about enthronement timing": Once the opponent holds 10+ succession points, decide on enthronement even if the combo is incomplete. Waiting beyond this point makes reversal extremely difficult.
Matchup-Specific Strategies
vs. Laoriri: Use combo speed to close the gap
Laoriri gains 5 court ladies upon enthronement, giving explosive economic growth. Post-enthronement speed for Laoriri is very high, so Bergamot needs to establish her combo early to compete.
Specific approach:
- Aim for enthronement at turns 9–11 (1–2 turns behind Laoriri, but acceptable)
- Once combo is complete, maintain 20+ coins per turn continuously
- Securing Emperor's Crown (14 pts) early can negate Laoriri's 5 court ladies advantage
Key mindset: "Short-term you may be losing, long-term you will win." Once Bergamot's combo reaches full speed, the per-turn purchasing power overwhelms Laoriri's court ladies bonus.
vs. Cramcram: Establish combo before disruption escalates
Important: Against Cramcram, the opponent can purchase disruption cards at reduced cost.
Cramcram's "all costs -1" effect means Curse Witch (normally 5) costs only 4, allowing early deployment of disruption. This is a direct threat to Bergamot's action card collection.
Counter:
- Secure action cards 5–6 copies total (instead of the usual 4)
- Don't rush the combo setup; ensure solid preparation before enthronement
- Consider preemptively buying disruption cards to deny them from Cramcram
vs. Flamaria: Embrace the long game
Flamaria gains 2 powerful cards upon enthronement as a planning-type princess. She tends to prolong the game with careful timing.
Approach:
- Both players taking time makes it easier to complete Bergamot's combo
- Take your time collecting combo pieces; enthrone in a fully prepared state
- Compete for cards Flamaria wants early (Star Reader Witch, Alchemist)
Key insight: Flamaria "checks that Star Reader Witch and Alchemist are available before enthroning." If Bergamot buys all the Alchemists first, Flamaria's enthronement plan is disrupted.
vs. Lurunazeika: Pure economic power contest
Lurunazeika is a straightforward compression economy princess. No special disruption; it becomes a pure race of who collects the most succession points.
Approach:
- Once combo is complete, per-turn buying power exceeds Lurunazeika's
- Don't fall behind on early compression race (Donation) vs. Lurunazeika
- After combo completion, pursue aggressive succession point collection to win
Multiplayer (3–4 players)
In multiplayer, reading "who is targeting which princess and which cards" becomes critical.
Bergamot strategy in multiplayer:
- Watch the action card competition closely; if opponents are ignoring action cards, monopolize them
- With multiple disruptive opponents, increase action card stock even more (+3–4 above normal)
- Use the "fisherman's gain" strategy: let opponents fight over resources while quietly completing your combo
Advanced Techniques
Technique 1: Calculating Optimal Combo Order Within a Turn
The biggest skill differentiator for Bergamot is "calculating in advance which order to play action cards this turn."
Key principles:
- Play Library first — Library's "bonus coin per action played" applies to all actions played after Library. The earlier you play Library, the more actions receive the bonus.
- Use Bergamot ability after draw effects — After using Alchemist or Supply Corps, the newly drawn cards can serve as the "discard cost" for Bergamot's ability
- Play economy cards (treasures) last — Finalize coin count after the action phase
- Use multiple-action cards at the right moment — Ball grants extra action plays; use it before the cards you want to play multiple times
Optimal combo sequence (detailed example):
Hand: Library, Alchemist, City ×2, Lady-in-Waiting
Discard: Supply Corps
1. Play Library (subsequent actions generate +1 coin each)
└ [No prior actions to trigger]
2. Play Alchemist → draw 2 (assume: Rider, Mining Town)
└ +1 coin from Library
3. Play Rider → draw 1 (assume: Grand City)
└ +1 coin from Library
4. Play Mining Town → coin gain
└ +1 coin from Library
5. Bergamot ability: discard an already-used card, retrieve Supply Corps
└ +1 coin from Library
6. Play Supply Corps → draw + coins
└ +1 coin from Library
7. Treasure phase: count all coins
Result: +6 coin bonus from Library (×6 action uses/triggers)
Plus base economy from treasure phase
Cost of playing Library last (for comparison): If Library had been played last instead: steps 2–6 would generate zero bonus coins. Library would be played at the end with no subsequent actions, yielding +0 coin bonus. The difference: +6 coins vs +0 coins = 6 coins lost. That's enough to buy a Councillor (cost 5) — a difference that can decide the game.
Technique 2: "Pre-Reading" Using the Discard Pile
Since Bergamot can "choose an action card from the discard pile to retrieve," always knowing your discard pile's contents is critical.
Pre-reading process:
- Check discard pile each turn — Stay constantly aware of "which action cards are currently in the discard pile"
- Decide in advance which action card to retrieve — Plan ahead: "next turn I'll retrieve Alchemist to increase draws"
- Decide what to send to discard this turn — "This turn I'll play Alchemist and put it in discard, then use Bergamot to retrieve Library"
Priority for choosing which card to retrieve:
| Situation | Best Retrieval Target | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Short on coins | Library (top priority) | Maximize coin bonus from action plays |
| Low hand size | Alchemist or Supply Corps | Increase next turn's hand size |
| Succession buying turn | Supply Corps | Maintain high buying power with coins + draw |
| Opponent is disrupting | Draw-type action card | Overcome disruption by increasing hand size |
| Economy is weak this turn | Supply Corps or coin-gen action card | Direct coin increase |
"Pre-reading calendar" concept:
Advanced players plan 2–3 turns ahead:
Current turn: Use Library and Alchemist, send them to discard
→ Retrieve Supply Corps from discard and use it
Next turn: Supply Corps now in discard after use
→ Retrieve Library from discard and use first (pre-planned)
Turn after that: Library and Alchemist both in discard
→ Can use both without Bergamot retrieval
Technique 3: Optimizing the "What to Discard" Decision
Bergamot ability's cost is "discard 1 action card from hand." Choosing what to discard is equally important.
Discard priority order (lowest priority to discard = most valuable):
- Farm cards — Not action cards; cannot be discarded (important constraint to remember)
- Rider (already used) — If you've already used its effect, it's ideal discard fodder. "Use then discard" is the ideal flow.
- Weak action cards — Cards with low standalone value make perfect Bergamot costs
- Alchemist (not needed this turn) — If you have enough draws already, intentionally discarding Alchemist to retrieve something else then retrieving Alchemist next turn is a valid plan
Cards you never want to discard:
- Library (if not yet played this turn) — Using it first, then discarding as fodder is fine; discarding before use is pure waste
- Any action card you intend to play this turn
"Play then discard" technique:
- Play Rider (draw 1)
- Bergamot ability: discard the used Rider, retrieve Library from discard
- Play Library (coin bonus activates)
Used action cards immediately become discard fodder for Bergamot — this chain maximizes efficiency.
Technique 4: Deck Cycle Calculation
With a small deck (15–18 cards), you can calculate how many turns until specific cards come to hand.
Basic calculation:
- Deck size ÷ cards drawn per turn = turns per cycle
- Example: 15-card deck, draw 5 per turn = 15 ÷ 5 = 3 turns per cycle
- With 1 Alchemist in deck: Alchemist comes to hand every ~3 turns on average
- With 2 Alchemists in deck: every ~1.5 turns (roughly every turn)
Bergamot shortcircuits the wait: By retrieving action cards from the discard pile via Bergamot's ability, you bypass the deck cycle entirely. Bergamot effectively means "no waiting for key action cards" — they can be reclaimed every single turn regardless of where they are in the deck.
Technique 5: Designing the "Succession Buying Turn"
After the combo is complete, standardize the priority order for succession point purchases.
Guidelines for designing succession buying turns:
13+ coins: Emperor's Crown (13, 14 pts) — always top priority
8–12 coins: Duke (8, 6 pts)
6–7 coins: Margrave (6, 3 pts + special) or Councillor (5, 3 pts)
5 coins or less: Councillor (5, 3 pts) or Lady-in-Waiting (3, 2 pts)
Handling coin surplus (minimize waste):
20 coins: Emperor's Crown (13) + Duke (8) = 21 → 1 short, try Emperor's Crown (13) + Margrave (6) + Lady-in-Waiting (3) = 22 ← exceeds by 2, pick best fit
18 coins: Emperor's Crown (13) + Councillor (5) = 18 ← perfect
16 coins: Duke (8) + Duke (8) = 16 ← perfect
Pre-calculating purchase combinations before your turn ensures coins are never wasted.
Summary — Conditions for Mastering Bergamot
Bergamot is a princess that delivers maximum power when preparation and knowledge are fully in place. She demands planning and calculated design more than improvisation and adaptability.
Bergamot's Golden Rules
- Always play Library first — This single rule alone adds 5–10 extra coins per turn
- Buy Bergamot only after combo pieces are assembled — Never rush the purchase before the setup is ready
- Check the discard pile every turn — Bergamot's value is generated from this information
- Maintain a buffer of extra action cards — Always keep 1–2 spare copies against disruption
- Never forget economy cards — The combo alone doesn't purchase succession points
Bergamot Readiness Checklist
| Check Item | Pass Condition |
|---|---|
| Supply compatibility | 2+ types of powerful action cards (Library, Alchemist, Supply Corps) available |
| Combo knowledge | Understand "Library Loop" and "Alchemist+Supply Corps Loop" procedures |
| Timing | Able to purchase and enthrone Bergamot only after combo pieces are assembled |
| Hand management | Can decide "what to discard and what to retrieve" every turn |
| Disruption awareness | Extra action cards secured as buffer against opponent disruption |
| Order calculation | Play Library first; bonus applies to all subsequent actions |
| Pre-reading | Can plan 2–3 turns of discard pile management in advance |
Reward for Mastery
- Stable buying power of 15–25 coins per turn
- Ability to purchase Emperor's Crown (14 pts) in multiple consecutive turns
- A combo that surpasses every other princess's economic speed at full completion
- The most exhilarating win condition in Heart of Crown
Common Failure Patterns and Fixes
| Failure Pattern | Root Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 coins per turn despite having Library | Playing Library last | Always play Library first — before any other action card |
| Bergamot ability useless | No action cards in discard | Use one action card per turn to keep the discard pile stocked |
| Combo running but losing to opponent | Enthronement too late | Push enthronement timing 2–3 turns earlier next game |
| Deck has too many action cards | Economy cards neglected | 8+ economy cards before enthronement is the minimum |
| Disruption destroys the combo | Action card stock too low | Secure +2 extra copies of each critical action card |
The Mathematics of Bergamot's Power
In a normal deck (18 cards, drawing 5 per turn): Alchemist comes to hand every 18÷5 ≈ 3.6 turns on average.
With Bergamot retrieving Alchemist every turn: frequency changes from once per 3.6 turns to once per turn — a 3.6× multiplier on the effect frequency.
This mathematical multiplier applies to Library as well. Normally Library might come every 3–4 turns; with Bergamot it appears every turn. The compounding effect of this across 15+ turns is what generates Bergamot's dominant late-game economy.
Beyond the ★★★ difficulty barrier lies the most exhilarating win condition in Heart of Crown. The satisfaction when the combo clicks into perfect motion is a unique experience no other princess can offer.
FAQ
Q1: How many times can Bergamot's ability be used per turn?
A: Once per main phase — meaning once per turn. However, this "once per turn, guaranteed" usage enables consistent combo maintenance. The predictability is a strength: you can always plan around having exactly one retrieval per turn.
Q2: Can you discard non-action cards for Bergamot's ability?
A: No. The cost is specifically "discard 1 action card from hand." Economy cards (Farms, Cities, Grand Cities, Ladies-in-Waiting) cannot be discarded. If your hand contains zero action cards, the ability cannot be activated. This is the most important restriction to remember.
Q3: Can you choose any action card from the discard pile to retrieve?
A: Yes, any action card in the entire discard pile may be chosen. When multiple action cards are available, choose the most valuable one. This selective retrieval is the core of the pre-reading technique.
Q4: Can Bergamot's combo be used before enthronement?
A: No. Bergamot's ability only functions after enthronement. Simply having her card in your deck without enthronement does not activate any ability.
Q5: How long does Library's effect last?
A: Library's bonus coin effect lasts only for the current turn. It resets next turn. This is why retrieving Library with Bergamot every turn is so important — you re-activate it fresh each turn.
Q6: What is the minimum viable combo without Library?
A: Alchemist x2 + Supply Corps x2 with Bergamot rotating retrieval still generates stable +4 to +6 extra draws per turn. This creates a full deck cycling strategy. Weaker than Library combos but functional.
Deck Construction Roadmap
Standard Roadmap (Enthronement around Turn 14)
| Turn | Target Purchase | Cumulative Deck | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rider or Donation | 11 cards | Best use of 2-coin turns |
| 2 | Library (4 coins) | 12 cards | Top priority |
| 3 | Library 2nd or City | 13 cards | Build combo core |
| 4 | Alchemist (5 coins) | 14 cards | Draw source |
| 5 | Supply Corps or Library 3rd | 15 cards | Combo preparation |
| 6 | City or Grand City | 16 cards | Economy top-up |
| 7 | Bergamot (6 coins) | 17 cards | Princess purchase |
| 8 | City or Supply Corps | 18 cards | Economy continued |
| 9 | Grand City (6 coins) | 19 cards | Enthronement prep |
| 10-12 | City or Grand City | 20-21 cards | Economy strengthening |
| 12-14 | Enthronement | — | Combo begins |
| 15+ | Succession points | — | Accumulate points |
Accelerated Roadmap (Enthronement at Turn 11, vs. Fast Opponents)
| Turn | Target Purchase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | City x2 | Prioritize City at 4 coins |
| 3 | Library | Combo core |
| 4 | Alchemist | Draw source |
| 5 | Grand City | Enthronement preparation |
| 6 | Library 2nd | Combo reinforcement |
| 7 | Bergamot | Princess secured |
| 8-10 | City or Supply Corps | Final preparation |
| 11 | Enthronement | Early activation |
Use the accelerated roadmap against Laoriri and other fast opponents. An incomplete combo with early enthronement prevents an insurmountable point gap.
Succession Point Purchase Matrix
| Coins Available | 1st Choice | 2nd Choice | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-7 coins | Councillor (5, 3 pts) | — | 3 pts |
| 8-9 coins | Duke (8, 6 pts) | — | 6 pts |
| 10-11 coins | Duke (8) + Lady-in-Waiting (3) | — | 8 pts |
| 13 coins | Emperor's Crown (13, 14 pts) | — | 14 pts |
| 16 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) + Lady-in-Waiting (3) | — | 16 pts |
| 18 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) + Councillor (5) | — | 17 pts |
| 21 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) + Duke (8) | — | 20 pts |
| 26 coins | Emperor's Crown (13) x2 | — | 28 pts |
Common Failure Collection
Failure 1: Playing Library Last
Symptom: Under 10 coins per turn even with Library. Root Cause: Library played last — its bonus fires for zero subsequent actions. Fix: Library is always the very first action every turn.
Failure 2: Buying Bergamot Too Early
Symptom: Bergamot purchased at turns 3-4 but ability never fires. Root Cause: No combo pieces yet; Bergamot is dead weight in the deck. Fix: Purchase Bergamot only after Library x2 and Alchemist x1 secured (turns 7-9).
Failure 3: Too Few Economy Cards at Enthronement
Symptom: Combo runs but only 10 coins per turn. Root Cause: Action cards over-prioritized; Cities and Grand Cities neglected. Fix: Ensure 7-8 economy cards before enthronement.
Failure 4: Forgetting to Check the Discard Pile
Symptom: Bergamot ability unusable because discard pile has no action cards. Fix: Check "which action cards are in my discard pile" at the end of every turn.
Failure 5: Discarding Library Before Playing It
Symptom: Discarded an unplayed Library as Bergamot cost — wasted the entire coin bonus. Fix: Always play action cards before discarding them. Golden rule: use it first, then discard it.
Failure 6: Over-Compressing with Donation
Symptom: Deck compressed to 10 cards with 3 Donations but action cards are scarce. Fix: 1-2 Donations is sufficient for Bergamot. Do not over-compress. A Library x3 + Alchemist x2 deck with some Farms is far stronger than a 0-Farm deck without action cards.
Game-Theoretic Analysis of the Combo
The Wait Time Problem in Normal Deck Building
In a normal 18-card deck drawing 5 per turn: 18 divided by 5 equals approximately 3.6 turns per cycle. After using Alchemist, you wait an average of 3.6 turns before drawing it again. After using Library, you wait 3.6 turns before its coin bonus can activate again.
How Bergamot Eliminates Wait Time
With Bergamot's ability, the action card used last turn can be retrieved and used again this very turn. Wait time becomes effectively zero — powerful action cards used every single turn.
Numerical impact:
- Normal frequency: Alchemist used once per 3.6 turns on average
- With Bergamot: Alchemist used once per turn
For a card with +2 draw effect, the 3.6x frequency multiplier means 3.6x total draws over the game. Over 15 turns: without Bergamot approximately 4 Alchemist uses, with Bergamot up to 15 uses. That is 22 extra draws from Alchemist alone.
The same logic applies to Library: normally appearing once per 3-4 turns, with Bergamot activating every single turn. Library's coin bonus firing every turn of a 15-turn game is what generates the 20+ coin turns that make Bergamot's strategy so overwhelming at full speed.
10 Iron Rules for Winning with Bergamot
- Always play Library first — this one rule adds 5-10 coins per turn
- Buy Bergamot only after combo pieces are assembled
- Check the discard pile every single turn
- Decide which card to retrieve before starting your action phase
- Keep action card stock with +2 extra copies as disruption buffer
- Secure at least 8 economy cards before enthroning
- When opponent has 10+ succession points, enthrone even if combo incomplete
- Always track Emperor's Crown inventory in the supply
- Pre-calculate purchase combinations to eliminate coin waste
- After any loss, analyze root cause and apply the lesson next game
Following these 10 rules consistently unlocks Bergamot's full potential. The exhilaration of a perfectly assembled combo generating 25+ coins per turn and purchasing Emperor's Crown consecutively — this experience is unique to Bergamot and is the ultimate reward for mastering the most technically demanding princess in Heart of Crown.
Supply Analysis: When to Pick and When to Skip Bergamot
Understanding which supply configurations favor Bergamot is a critical skill. Here are detailed analyses of common supply patterns.
Supply Pattern 1: "Ideal Bergamot Supply" (Full Green Light)
Required cards present: Library, Alchemist, Supply Corps, City, Grand City
Why this is ideal:
- Library provides the coin bonus engine
- Alchemist provides draw acceleration
- Supply Corps provides backup draw + coins
- City and Grand City provide the economy base
Expected combo timeline: Turns 10-12 enthronement, turns 13-15 combo completes Expected peak output: 20-25 coins per turn
Construction priority:
- Library x3 (turns 2-6)
- Alchemist x2 (turns 4-7)
- Supply Corps x1 (turns 5-8)
- City x3 (turns 1-6)
- Bergamot (turn 7-9)
- Grand City x2 (turns 8-11)
Supply Pattern 2: "Library-Only" (Conditional)
Library present but no Alchemist or Supply Corps available.
Assessment: Bergamot is viable but weaker. Without Alchemist, the Library combo relies on Rider and Mining Town as draw sources.
Adjustment:
- Rider x2-3 as draw substitute
- Mining Town x2 as action economy hybrid
- Ball x1 if available for multi-action turns
Expected peak output: 14-18 coins per turn (lower ceiling without Alchemist)
When to switch away: If the supply has Laoriri and the opponent chooses her, the Library-only Bergamot may be too slow. Consider Flamaria or another princess instead.
Supply Pattern 3: "No Library, Other Actions Present" (Use with Caution)
Library absent, but Alchemist + Supply Corps + Ball available.
Assessment: A functional "draw-heavy" Bergamot is possible, but significantly weaker than Library variants.
How it works:
- Alchemist x2 + Supply Corps x2 rotated with Bergamot = consistent extra draws
- Ball provides multi-action to use both in one turn
- Without Library's coin bonus, total coin output per turn is lower
- Strategy shifts toward "draw your whole deck and access all economy cards"
Expected peak output: 12-16 coins per turn
Recommendation: Only choose this variant if the opponent is also building slowly. Against aggressive opponents, choose a different princess.
Supply Pattern 4: "Economy-Heavy Supply" (Avoid Bergamot)
Almost no action cards: only City, Grand City, Donation, and succession point cards available.
Assessment: Do not choose Bergamot. Without action cards, her ability has no combo pieces to work with. The ability essentially becomes dead weight.
Recommended alternatives:
- Lurunazeika: Straightforward compression economy
- Laoriri: Fast enthronement with court lady economy
- Cramcram: Cost reduction on all economy cards
Card Interaction Reference Table
A comprehensive reference of how key cards interact with Bergamot.
Synergy Interactions (Positive)
| Card Pair | Interaction Effect | Synergy Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bergamot + Library | Library bonus fires on every Bergamot ability use; retrieve Library every turn | S+ (Core combo) |
| Bergamot + Alchemist | Alchemist used every single turn; +2 draws per turn consistently | S (Core combo) |
| Bergamot + Supply Corps | Draw + coins every turn via retrieval cycle | A (Strong support) |
| Bergamot + Ball | Ball gives extra action; use it before other action cards for maximum plays | A (Combo extender) |
| Bergamot + Mining Town | Mining Town extends combo chain while generating coins | B+ (Solid support) |
| Bergamot + Rider | Cheap action card doubles as discard fodder for Bergamot cost | B (Utility) |
| Bergamot + Star Reader Witch | Manipulate deck top to ensure the right cards come next turn | B (Advanced) |
Neutral/Situational Interactions
| Card | Interaction with Bergamot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Donation | Removes Farms to tighten deck; limited to 1-2 purchases | Don't over-invest at the expense of action cards |
| Grand City | High-value economy; necessary for enthronement cost | Buy 2 copies; don't delay beyond turn 10 |
| City | Core economy; 3 copies recommended | Standard economy building block |
Negative Interactions (Disruption)
| Disruption Card | How It Hurts Bergamot | Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Curse Witch | Curses clog draw, reducing effective hand size | Add 1 curse removal card |
| Charm Witch | Forces discarding action cards — directly destroys combo pieces | Stock extra action cards (+2 buffer per key card) |
| Farmland Decree | Adds Farms back, increasing deck pollution | Buy Donation immediately upon receiving Farms |
| Battering Ram | Forces hand discard — can lose action cards before using them | Don't over-accumulate; play action cards immediately |
Coin Generation Analysis: Turn-by-Turn Expectations
Early Game (Turns 1-5)
In the initial 10-card deck (7 Farms, 3 Ladies-in-Waiting), average coins per turn:
| Turn 1 Hand Example | Coins Generated |
|---|---|
| Farm x4, Lady x1 | 2 coins |
| Farm x3, Lady x2 | 4 coins |
| Farm x2, Lady x3 | 6 coins |
Average: 3-4 coins per turn in the starting deck.
With 1-2 Cities purchased:
| Turn Range | Expected Coins | What to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Turn 3-4 | 4-6 coins | Library (4) or Alchemist (5) |
| Turn 5-6 | 5-7 coins | Continue building action cards |
Mid Game (Turns 6-10)
After purchasing Library x2, Alchemist x1, City x2:
| Deck Composition (15 cards) | Expected Coins |
|---|---|
| No action cards in hand | 7-8 coins (economy only) |
| Library x1 in hand + 2 actions | 10-12 coins |
| Library x2 in hand + 3 actions | 13-16 coins |
Late Game (Turns 11+, Post-Enthronement)
With fully assembled combo deck (19 cards):
| Scenario | Expected Coins |
|---|---|
| No action cards drew | 9-10 coins (rare) |
| 1 Library + 2 actions | 12-14 coins |
| 2 Libraries + 4 actions | 17-20 coins |
| 2 Libraries + Bergamot retrieval + 5 actions | 20-24 coins |
| 3 Libraries + Bergamot retrieval + 6 actions | 25-29 coins |
Solitaire Practice Methodology
To improve Bergamot skills without opponents, practice these specific exercises:
Exercise 1: "Library First" Reflex Training
Setup: Deal 5-card hands repeatedly. Practice always identifying and "playing" Library first if present. Goal: The reflex to play Library immediately should become automatic within 10 practice rounds. Success metric: Zero instances of playing Library last in a session.
Exercise 2: Discard Pile Tracking
Setup: Play a solitaire game tracking only the discard pile composition each turn. Goal: At any given moment, name all action cards currently in the discard pile without looking. Success metric: Ability to accurately name discard pile contents 3 turns back.
Exercise 3: Purchase Sequence Optimization
Setup: Given a random supply, plan the optimal purchase sequence for turns 1-14. Goal: Identify the purchase order that assembles Library x2 + Alchemist x1 fastest while maintaining economy. Success metric: Consistent enthronement at turns 11-13 across multiple simulated games.
Advanced Combo Timing: The "Warmup Turn" Concept
One key insight for expert Bergamot play is the concept of the "warmup turn" — the turn immediately before enthronement.
The Warmup Turn Strategy
On the turn before you plan to enthrone:
- Use all your action cards (Library, Alchemist, etc.) this turn
- They enter the discard pile
- On the enthronement turn: enthrone Bergamot immediately
- Now the discard pile is stocked with powerful action cards
- Bergamot's ability fires immediately on the enthronement turn
Why this matters: Without the warmup turn, the turn you enthrone often has no action cards in the discard pile, making Bergamot's first ability use impossible. The warmup turn ensures Bergamot is immediately functional upon enthronement.
Implementation:
Turn N-1 (warmup turn):
- Use Library A, Library B, Alchemist (all in hand this turn)
- They go to discard pile after use
- Buy something (not enthronement yet)
Turn N (enthronement turn):
- Discard pile now contains: Library A, Library B, Alchemist
- Enthrone Bergamot immediately
- Action phase: use action cards in hand
- Use Bergamot ability: retrieve Library from discard (already stocked!)
- Combo fires immediately on Turn N
This technique is the difference between enthroning and immediately having a functional combo versus enthroning and waiting one more turn for the discard pile to fill.
Endgame Checklist: Closing Out with Bergamot
Once the combo is fully online and succession points are accumulating, use this checklist to close out the game efficiently:
Per-Turn Endgame Protocol
At the start of each turn:
- Count opponent's total succession points — how far behind/ahead are you?
- Count remaining Emperor's Crown and Duke inventory in the supply
- Calculate: can the game end this turn if you buy optimally?
During the action phase: 4. Play Library first (always) 5. Chain draw and action cards 6. Use Bergamot ability to retrieve the most valuable action card in discard 7. Calculate total expected coins for this turn
During the buying phase: 8. Buy succession points in highest-value order (Emperor's Crown > Duke > Margrave) 9. If a supply stack is near empty (1-2 cards), consider buying to trigger game-end condition 10. After buying, verify the total succession points are on track to win
Game-End Triggering
When you are ahead in succession points and the supply is depleting:
- Deliberately buy from the stack closest to empty
- Time your Emperor's Crown purchases to empty that pile while maximizing your point total
- Don't let the opponent "time" the game end when they have the lead
Understanding the game-end conditions and actively triggering them at the right moment is the final skill that separates good Bergamot players from masters.