In particular, we'll be discussing one very patient, very clever, very dangerous man. Tywin Lannister.

House Lannister

Before we get to Tywin, we'll look at his opposite number. Ser Gregor Cleglane, the Mountain That Rides, is one of the most visible and memorable characters from the books. He is enormous, bestial, savage, brutal, murderous, cruel, and very, very deadly. He is a very impatient man in a House that can nurse long grudges, a very physical warrior in a House that is in many ways the most cerebral.

We're discussing patience today, and Ser Gregor does not exemplify that - but then again, there are many Lannisters who do not. Truth be told, House Lannister comes down to Tywin and his tools, of which Ser Gregor is one of his greatest. Like Tywin, you, the player, must unleash Gregor at the right time. Consider his ability - when used correctly, it can be the most punishing assault your opponent is ever likely to receive. When used on someone with 3 or more strength, it has no effect - Gregor's wrath is wasted on superior leadership (he really is something of a bully, isn't he?). But if you're careful, and clever, and wait for the right moment, you can catch your opponent with only a zero in his hand ... and then that attack with three Sword icons comes along and wipes out an entire army in one go.

The key is to play like Tywin. Think in the long term. Time every move carefully. And attack your enemy when he is weak.

And then, of course, there is the man himself. Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West, once and future Hand of the King, and the actual ruler of Westeros for years at a time, is no slouch on the battlefield.

Lord Tywin, in fact, is so much smarter than those he contends with that he is not fighting THIS battle, he's fighting the next one. And the one after that. Consider his card - an average two strength and a strong two Fortification icons. Tywin can win many battles, but he also LOSES battles with flair. Lose a battle here to set up for a win there - keep your armies safe to keep your overall position strong. Lord Tywin is a thinker in the long term, and his card lets you do the same.

Lord Tywin's Leader token is similar. Patience, planning, plotting ... His attack is not abnormally strong, although it does generate Power, and the fact that he activates in the Consolidate Power phase is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, he is vulnerable to Raids and goes last. On the other hand, he goes last. This can often be a powerful benefit, swooping in to wipe out a routed army or counter-attacking into recently captured territory, or perhaps waiting until one of your opponents has revealed a weakness.

Also, working in the long term, Lord Tywin lets you move troops across the map more than the three times the standard March orders allow, and nets you Power in the process. Using the Messenger Raven, you can also choose to place a Consolidate Power order after you see what your opponent is doing nearby.

Remember: Think in the long term. Be patient, wait for your opponents to show weakness, and then strike viciously and brutally. Play like Tywin.