Board Game Arena • Board Game Arena

Basic Strategy

Mid game starts when all players get about 3-4 cards.
Calculate what you need carefully and minimize the turns needed. If they are taken by opponents, consider reserving.
Observe what your opponents plan. Sometimes buy cards when they have 8 or more gems to have a better chance to get a gem you want. Sometimes buy cards with gold so that you can buy cards faster.
You should try to secure that card you want by either having multiple plans or reserving it.
Reserving cards not only can prevent opponents from taking it, it can also gain you one gold, providing you flexibility. However, think twice before you use that gold to prevent getting stuck later on.

Late game starts when a player gets at least 10 points.
When taking gems, plan at least 2 ways to buy a high value card. That way you can get points quicker.
Observe what your opponents need most and grab them to get more time.
Ending the game as soon as possible is much more important than getting more points, unless you are the first player.
Using reserves to secure points first before limiting your opponents.
Unless your opponents are way ahead, just buy cards to secure your position or you may accidentally reveal a card that can change the game!

There are many main strategies in Splendor, which applies for everyone and usually have no preference over one another.
If you think a strategy is op (over powered), it is because you haven't found a way to block them or be faster.

First, reserve 1-2 important cards, mostly level 2. This can prevent opponents to get them.
Then, buy a few level 1 cards, at least 1 of each type. This should build up your basic engine.
After that, start buying cards you reserved and reserve new cards, gaining you lots of points.
Do note that you can reserve cards from the deck, which is a good thing when you don't want to destroy the current position.
If you notice your opponent aiming for a card, reserve them first to waste their effort.
This strategy is what strong players usually do. Therefore when the gold stock is empty, consider other ways to counter...

First, buy about 7-9 level 1 cards to get discounts.
Secondly, buy cards that can get you nobles. That are valuable in return of your engines.
Lastly, start buying point cards with little cost after discount. Some better players can even get cards for free!
This strategy is mostly useful for players who have some gaming experience. Do note that everyone wants them and it can be tricky!

First, select a target. You can reserve it if you want. Then, start collecting lots of gems for it.
You want to get point cards, especially level 2 and 3 ones. Therefore buy any point card if you can afford.
This strategy is mostly useful for beginners with little experience in gaming. It can be effective, but can be blocked easily.
To prevent that, reserve a level 3 card, then buy level 1 cards to reach it and repeat. It is much faster.

First, compare the nobles and see what cards they need in common. Get them first.
Then, observe your opponents and decide exactly which nobles you aim for and get the cards needed.
This strategy is good as you can get 2 or more nobles if you are lucky, potentially winning you the game. However it is quite slow, which is why I don't recommend.

Level 1: (4,1)>(3,0)>(4,0)>(5,0)
Level 2: (6,3)>(5,2)>(7,2)=(8,2)>(7,1)=(8,1)
Level 3: (10,5)>(7,4)>(12,4)>(14,3)
Note: Each card here is showed by (cost, point). Cards are sorted from most valuable to least valuable.

Level 1: Black for green, Blue for black, Green for white, Red for blue, White for red.
Level 2: Black for red, Blue for blue, Green for green, Red for white, White for black.
Level 3: Black for white, Blue for green, Green for red, Red for black, White for blue.
Note: Each relationship is showed by (most needed gem colour) for (card colour). However, these relationships are usually, but not always true.