En·gine (njn) NOUN: A machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion. Such a machine is distinguished from an electric, spring-driven, or hydraulic motor by its use of a fuel. A mechanical appliance, instrument, or tool. An agent, instrument, or means of accomplishment.

In trading card games, many strategies are labeled as "engines." You're probably already familiar with a few of the common engine-type strategies offered by the Star Wars Trading Card Game, including the Kessel System/Orray deck and the Holoprojection Chamber/Falcon's Needs deck. Usually, engine decks are based on playing a particular set of cards and using those cards to do something dynamic.

The decks mentioned above are based solely on their engines. But not all engines are built this way. For example, Han/Leia decks rely on the synergy of the two, and both can interact with the Millennium Falcon. This deck isn't based on getting Han or Leia out, but the way those characters fuel the deck make them an "engine."

So, how can you find dynamic engines? First, look for cards that give you a build advantage or card advantage over your opponent. Second, look for cards or abilities that break the conventional rules or that are just flat-out good. Third, look for card synergies.

Of course, once you find a suitable engine, you need to make it work. After losing Holoprojection Chamber and Kessel System to the banned/restricted list, what dynamic options are still available to the Dark Side?

Droids on 'Roids
	4  Battle Protocol Droid (A) 1  Nute Gunray (A) 1  Nute Gunray (B) 4  Nute Gunray (C) 3  San Hill (A) 2  IT-0 Interrogator Droid 1  Darth Vader (K) 4  Trade Federation STAP 4  Trade Federation MTT 4  Battle Droid Assault Squad 2  Walking Droid Starfighter 3  YV-664 Light Freighter 4  Droid Starfighter DFS-1VR 4  Droid Starfighter DFS-4CT 3  Blockade Battleship 4  Dark Sacrifice 3  Slumming on Coruscant 4  Departure Time 4  Trade Federation Hangar 1  Hoth System Totals: 16 Character 14 Ground 14 Space 4 Battle 7 Mission 0 Equipment 5 Location

In this deck, the engine is Trade Federation Hangar, Nute Gunray (C), and Trade Federation MTT.

With Nute Gunray (C) and Trade Federation Hangar in play, droids and Trade Federation units are reduced by 1 build point. Since the units in this deck that cost 2 build have both traits, they essentially free to deploy. Plus, every Trade Federation MTT you play will be only 4 build, and the units the MTT draws can be deployed for free.

Departure Time, San Hill (A), and YV-664 Light Freighter help give you the build points needed to deploy all four Trade Federation MTTs. The Trade Federation MTTs can then search for additional copies of Battle Protocol Droid (A), which provide another card-drawing engine for this deck. With one Battle Protocol Droid (A) in play, every one deployed after it will be discarded due to its unique status; however, you will still be able to use it to draw two cards.

TIEs and Guys
	4  TIE Fighter Pilot 4  TIE Pursuit Pilot 2  TIE Bomber Pilot 1  Darth Vader (C) 1  Darth Vader (H) 1  Darth Vader (D) 1  Darth Vader (K) 1  Darth Vader (I) 1  Captain Lorth Needa (A) 4  Tatooine Hangar 4  Snowtrooper Elite Squad 4  Stormtrooper Squad 3  Executor (A) 4  TIE Fighter 3  TIE Fighter EX-4-9 3  TIE Fighter OS-72-8 3  TIE Bomber EX-1-2 2  Dark Sacrifice 2  Imperial Misdirection 2  Emperor's Prize 3  Alter the Deal 2  Lando System? 3  Executor Bridge 2  Hoth System Totals: 16 Character 12 Ground 16 Space 6 Battle 5 Mission 0 Equipment 5 Location

In this deck, the engine is Tatooine Hangar, Hoth System, and Executor Bridge. Another option for the engine is Tatooine Hanger x2 and Executor Bridge.

Tatooine Hangar and Hoth System reduces Space units by 1 build point, and Executor Bridge reduces Pilots by 2. The trick is to deploy Tatooine Hangar, Hoth System, and Executor Bridge, or Tatooine Hangar x2 and Executor Bridge. Once the combo is deployed, drop all Pilots and Space units in your hand. Down build any key units, and then play Alter the Deal. Rinse & repeat. The Battle cards add a few tricks to the deck.

Now It's Your Turn

The two new decks described above – "Droids on 'Roids" and "TIEs and Guys" – aren't as abusive as the Kessel and Holoprojection Chamber decks, but it's still a lot of fun when they go off. Try them for yourself and see!

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