Normal mode
You'll want to begin in Normal mode when you are initially learning the game. The learning game is essentially a race for Prestige since VPs increase expotentially with Prestige. All the starting families are relatively balanced (except Wessex which should not be used in learning games). Generally, you will want to take an action each round that allows you to flip an unflipped building tile in your Estate and then purchase an improvement. You will likely need to pass once or twice during the course of the game for optimal play. Your actions should generally be guided by the Objectives which you are dealt.
Selecting Objectives
During the learning game, you will want to avoid objectives that require 3 specific building improvements, 10 servants, 3 identical servants or require buildings which are not immediately available on the Builders' Market. These lofty Objectives are more suitable for extended play when you are more familiar with the mechanics of the game and have more rounds for these objectives to be achieved. Ideally, you will have two Objectives which overlap slightly so that you can begin to direct your strategy accordingly.
Starting the game
In order of importance, your starting actions will be:
- Bowling Greens: you are going to need money to purchase your first improvement. Furthermore, you will want to have first pick of the building improvements. In general, you will need to ensure that you have enough money to purchase improvements in almost every round which makes inexpensive improvements extremely valuable since they tend to also require the fewest gentry.
- Butler's Pantry: you are going to need to get 2 additional servants to survive the gruelling seasons ahead unless there is a surplus of Service improvements in the Builders' Market (or you begin with the York family). In order of importance recruit: ladies maids, footmen then valets. Keep in mind that each servant is worth 2VPs at the end of the game and nothing gets done without them.
- Main Gazebo: Prestige guests are a wonderful way to earn VPs and you are going to start to need to plan for the National Holiday which is when your Prestige does not limit your actions.
- Front Parlour: Keep your family's Matron in your hand until you are ready to perform this action since she can help attract desirable Casual Guests or dismiss undesirable Casual Guests (negative VPs).
- Private Study: this is the least likely action that you will need to do in a learning game. There are only 2 Village Fairs in the normal mode vs 3 Village Fairs in extended mode: this is an essential action in extended mode. Furthermore, it provides 3 VP if you do not flip it.
Special Actions
2VP for $100: if you are short a little money and it will not impact your Prestige level, then feel free to use this.
3VP for Servant: during your learning game, you should avoid having to use this more than once during the entire game.
4VP for Builders' Market: definitely do not recommend during learning game since you can always Refresh the Builders' Market by Passing.
Fairchild choice
In general, Elizabeth Fairchild is the better choice because she can provide a Prestige Guest (VPs).
Extended mode
Once you have mastered the normal mode, it will be time to try the extended mode. This is when the game truly flourishes with its complexity and nuance since all the Objectives can now be achieved and you frequently have to select those which you anticipate to yield more VPs. Utilizing the Private Study as a first action becomes more important because it yields 3 Village Fairs. Managing your Butler and Housekeeper will be critical since there is a plenthora of activities which will constantly demand their attentions. You will need to use your family's Matron judiciously since there will be many more undesirable Casual Guests to manage.
Tile guide
Sporting (green) provides money
Prestige (purple) provides reputation
Estate (red) manages Casual/Prestige Guests
Service (blue) manages servants
Essentials (brown) are miscellaneous actions
