Tech Talk - Splashable

Normally, Tech Talk focuses on one particular card, discussing it's strengths, weaknesses, and when and how to use it. This week, in anticipation of the release of the first Data Pack, we're doing something a little different – we're going to be discussing several cards that you might consider splashing one of in your Runner deck.

Now why, you might ask, would you want to put one of a card (other than maybe a console or Aesop's Pawnshop) in your deck. The answer usually comes down to one of three: 1) You have a single Influence point left to spend; 2) You're at 44 cards; or 3) It's sometimes cool to have a single copy of a card that can swing the game if the Corp isn't expecting it.

So, these "one-of" cards need to be pretty good then, huh? Well, yeah, but more than good, they have to be important. If you are only going to have one copy of a card in your deck, it better have an impact when you play it. Here are a few suggestions for when you find yourself needing just one more card.

Stimhack (Core): We did an entire article on this card a few weeks back, so go read that if you want to see why Tech Talk likes it so much. Having a single Stimhack in your deck, especially in a deck that plays a more slow and steady game, can really poop in the Corp's shoes, so to speak. If you draw it early, try to hold onto it for as long as possible (as pointed out in the earlier article, Stimhack is NOT an early game card).

Cyberfeeder (Core): A single Cyberfeeder pays for itself on the third run you use it (fourth if you insist on counting the click for drawing it in your valuation). You should be running more than four times. If you're not, you aren't very good at your job. Cyberfeeder is useful for all Runners. It may not hit hard when it hits the table, but it hits over and over and over again, like your older brother lightly tapping your forehead for the entire 22 hour drive to Sarasota, Florida. And like that never-ending tapping, it can drive a Corp nuts.

Datasucker (Core): If you have the extra memory, why not? What Runner can't occasionally benefit from decreasing the strength of some wicked nasty piece of ICE? Yes, you are going to need to run on Central Servers if you install this card, but, as long as you don't play Sneakdoor Beta, most Corps are going to leave their Archives wide open and will probably not take the tempo hit to drop a piece of ICE there when you get Datasucker active.

Easy Mark (Core): Three credits for one click (two if you are STILL insisting on counting the click to draw it) is nothing to sneeze at. One Easy Mark can be the difference between running again this turn and having to wait until next turn. You will never be sorry you drew an Easy Mark.

The Maker's Eye (Core): Yes, yes, it costs 2 Influence BUT packing even a single way to get at more cards from R&D is never a bad thing. If you only have one, use it when you are absolutely sure it will land unless you think you can get the Corp to rez that piece of ICE in front of R&D when it will leave them unable to rez the ICE at the server you really want to get into.

Sacrificial Construct (Core): Running into a Rototurret (Core) jacked up by a Corporate Troubleshooter (Core) is something that happens an awful lot in the games around here and having even one Sacrificial Construct can save you a whole world of hurt. Heck, only having to lose one program to Ichi 1.0 or Archer can really soften the blow. Get it out as soon as possible, of course – it does you no good just sitting in your hand.

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.