Mastering Extra-Turn Chains

The Engine of High-Level Play

Extra turns are the heartbeat of Totemancer. One well-planned chain can decide an entire match, while failing to see an opponent’s sequence often leads to sudden defeat. Strong players think in sequences, not moves.

What Creates an Extra Turn?

You gain another move whenever your action increases your score. The art lies in arranging the board so that one placement triggers several scoring steps in a row.

Building a Chain

• Prepare multiple enclosures that complete with one tile
• Force the opponent to ignore a threat on the other side
• Use shape to connect two potential areas at once

Breaking Opponent Chains

Defense is just as important as attack:

• Identify which tile completes the sequence
• Occupy that point early
• Use Burst to interrupt the most valuable link

Counting Before You Play

Before placing a Totem, quickly estimate:

1. Will this give me at least one extra turn?
2. Can I continue the chain afterward?
3. Can the opponent immediately break it?

Common Traps

• Starting a chain that ends with no follow-up
• Ignoring a larger enemy sequence
• Overextending and creating weak shapes

Learning to see extra-turn potential turns average players into consistent winners.