SETI Strategy: Probe Timing, Scanning & Technology Efficiency
Editorial analysis: SETI rewards timing more than rigid specialization. The rotating Solar System and newly revealed aliens can make one path temporarily much more efficient than another.
Launch probes before favorable alignments
A destination that is expensive now may become easier after rotation. Position probes so future movement converts rotation into saved resources.
Scan where several rewards overlap
Prefer telescope sectors that advance missions, data collection and alien discovery at the same time.
Technology needs enough remaining actions
Early upgrades can improve many later turns. Late technology should directly finish a mission or produce immediate points.
Cards are flexible resources
Evaluate whether a card is worth playing for its effect or better spent through its alternate resource/action use. Preserve flexibility until the board makes one use clearly superior.
React quickly to alien discoveries
New alien systems can change what actions are profitable. Recalculate priorities instead of continuing an old engine automatically.
Final phase: convert research into points
Unspent data and partial missions are weaker than completed scoring objectives. Use the final turns for direct mission, alien and board conversion.