Tech Talk - Splashable II: The Corporation Strikes Back

Last week, Tech Talk broke from the usual format to bring you a few cards you might think about splashing in your Runner deck when you find yourself with 1 free Influence. This week, we're doing the same for your Corp decks.

Corp decks are far more likely to want a one-of splash, since a 49 card deck is often optimal. Like splashing a card into your Runner deck, you want any one-of to have an impact when played.

Corporate Troubleshooter (Core): This is the number one, hands-down, top card on the list. First, it's an Upgrade and the Corp can always use another card that can be installed in a Remote Server as a bluff. On top of the general Upgrade goodness, this card can absolutely WRECK a Runner's rig when coupled with the right ICE (Archer or Rototurret, to be specific). Corporate Troubleshooter is the best non-ICE Corp card, if you define "best" as most universally useful.

Project Junebug (Core): You know what will freak a Runner out? Hitting a Project Junebug when going up against Haas-Bioroid. It doesn't even matter if you only pack one - as soon as the Runner sees it, she has to play as if you might have two more. Also, Project Junebug has the basic upside of being an Asset, another card to install in a Remote Server and drain the Runner's credits making a useless run, even if you don't get to deal any damage with it.

Closed Accounts (Core): This is the iffiest inclusion on the list but, if you're running any ICE that gives tags in, say, Haas-Bioroid or Jinteki, Corps not known for doing a whole lot with tags, then you can really ruin the Runner's day. Against HB and Jinteki, Runners tend to be a little looser about scrubbing tags, especially if they aren't running a Resource-heavy deck. The look on the Runner's face when you wipe out his credits is priceless. Try it some time.

Security Subcontract (Core): In Tech Talk's estimation, Corp players don't uninstall rezzed ICE to make room for new ICE often enough. The element of surprise, especially in the mid- to late-game, can be a killer. If you're going to get rid of ICE anyway, why not make some of your credits back, right? Also, it's an Asset so, again, even if you don't use its ability, you can use it to bait the Runner into running on it and wasting a click and some credits.

Beanstalk Royalties (Core): Just like Easy Mark for Runners, you will never be sad that you drew a Beanstalk Royalties. Three credits for one click can be just the little tempo bump you need.

Scud is a former editor in educational publishing and is currently working on his first novel and prepping for grad school. He played the original Netrunner, played Dreamblade competitively, and writes and self-publishes a couple of comic books at Lonely Robot Comics. Also make sure to check out his Android: Netrunner blog here at CardGameDB,Electric Sheep.