Tips captainflip

General Tips

The game is inherently based on luck.

Control the Map as early as possible. Set up a column that will give you the map, but don't complete it until you need it. But remember, the more you fight over the map, the less valuable it becomes. So in the middle/late game, controlling it may not be a priority.

Prepare for future tiles. Have at least one column you can finish with Lookout. It's hard to predict what you will get, but easier to predict what you won't get by examining the board. See lots of Gunners? Chances are low you'll receive a Gunner.

Note which tiles score when you play them and which score at the end of the game.

Check how many tiles each player needs to finish the game. Don't start a tall column that you cannot finish.

Tile Strategy

Cartographer

Good early on because he gives you the map. Useless if you already have the map. Consider flipping it at the end of the game.

Navigator

Bad in the beginning. If you have two or more Cartographers, start collecting Navigators. If you've flipped them, remember where they are so you can use the Monkey on them.

Parrot

Good, and worth the cost, if you're trying to use speed as a strategy (to outrace your opponent). Use them to close the game before your opponent can gain bonuses. If you already have a speed advantage over your opponent, don't use more.

Cook

Flip in the early game or if you have no rows with at least 2 other tiles. Try to leave a space in a 4-row for a Cook.

Swabby

Their worth is entirely based on luck. Only having 3 really makes them worth anything.

Gunner

Always worth playing, but pay attention to how many are on your board. Having three or more means an automatic loss. Having three is fine, as long as you can flip one over with a Monkey before the end.

Carpenter

Its worth is based on luck, when you receive it and how your board is set up. It can prevent you from getting the benefits of a Gunner. Good in short columns and upper rows, when you already know where your Gunners are.

Monkey

When you play the Monkey, use it to flip a tile that has already scored and cannot provide any more benefit (e.g., Gunner, Chef, Parrot, other Monkey). Try not to flip a tile that will score points at the end of the game (e.g., Cartographer, Navigator). You can also flip a tile back over to a Gunner for another 5 coins. Leave flippable tiles open for a Monkey. The player who can remember/keep track of what is on the other side of the tiles will reap the greatest benefit of this tile.

Lookout

If you receive one in the beginning, decide whether its worth the sacrifice to put it in a short column, as you won't be able to put anything above it if you want to gain its benefit.

Questions to Ask During Your Turn

• Do I have the Map or do I need to get it?
• Do I have a good spot for the Chef?
• Which tile would I like to flip with a Monkey?
• Is my opponent trying to outpace me with Parrots?

Strategies

• Get the Map early and safeguard high-value tiles through the game
• Gain Cartographer/Navigator combinations
• End the game early
• Rush the game and deny your opponent bonuses with multiple Parrots
• Use the Monkey to flip cards for more points
• Get 4-5 Swabbies