Photosynthesis Strategy: Sun Angles, Shadows & Harvest Timing
Editorial analysis: Photosynthesis is a geometry game with a known future. The sun direction changes predictably, so a strong placement should be evaluated over several upcoming angles rather than one income phase.
Count future sunlight before planting
A seed in a premium central space can still be poor if taller neighboring trees will shadow it through several upcoming sun positions. Trace the next two or three directions before committing.
Use height to attack and defend
Growing a tree increases its light income and the length of its shadow. Place tall trees where their shadows reduce opponent production without repeatedly blocking your own smaller trees.
Do not harvest a large tree before its last useful sunlight
A mature tree is both a scoring opportunity and a strong light producer/blocker. Harvest when the scoring token and freed space are worth more than the future light you give up.
Central spaces are valuable but crowded
They offer stronger scoring piles but create intense shadow competition. Edge trees can produce more consistently and seed inward later when the center opens.
Recycle pieces through the personal board efficiently
Growing and harvesting returns pieces through your supply system. Avoid reaching a point where you cannot buy the size you need because too many pieces are stuck in expensive personal-board slots.
Final revolution: harvest points, not potential
A newly planted seed may never reach scoring size before round 18. Shift late light toward finishing and harvesting large trees instead of starting life cycles that cannot complete.