Potion-making is a art. One moment you’re crafting a bubbling masterpiece, and the next—poof!—your cauldron erupts in a glorious cloud of regret and burnt hopes. But fret not, dear quacks!

A seasoned alchemist knows that the true magic isn’t just in the ingredients, but in the art of the pivot. When the potions don’t fizz just right, the best among us adapt, adjust, and turn near-disaster into sparkling success.

If you find your bag is a bit too explosive, cherry bombs galore, and every draw feels like a step toward detonation then it might be time to rethink your ingredients.

Mandrakes, those stubborn little yellow mischief-makers, are your best allies here. They have the power to pluck cherry bombs right out of your bag, saving you from your own ambition.

Most of the alchemists I play with would say I tend to over play the crow’s skull. It lets you peek and I am often found chaining crows skulls through my entire cauldron.

Now, if you’re watching other potion-makers speed ahead while you stir your modest brew, don’t despair. Falling behind in points doesn’t mean you’re out of the running—it means it’s time for boldness.

Consider shifting your focus to higher-scoring ingredients, like those charming toadstools or other late-game investments that pack a punch. Rounds seven through nine are your window for daring decisions, so embrace the risk!

And what if someone else has swooped in and claimed your dream strategy? Perhaps you set your sights on becoming the toadstool queen, only to realize someone else has out-foraged you. In that case, it’s time to pivot with flair. Perhaps you can pivot by moving the droplet so far forward or by re-filling the potion bottle with all your rubies.

Look to the ingredients they’ve ignored like pumpkins, for instance, often go unloved, yet they can unlock delightful bonuses if played well. And if the stars align, you might even throw a little disruption their way, tempting them into overreaching and, with any luck, causing an unfortunate explosion on their end.

In truth, even the most gifted quack doctors must adjust their recipes mid-brew. The difference between a master potion-maker and a flustered fool fleeing from an overflowing cauldron is knowing when to pivot, when to gamble, and when to hold steady.

So tell me, dear brewers of the bizarre—have you ever rescued a doomed game with a brilliant change of plans? Let’s gather ‘round the cauldron and share our tales of last-minute genius and potion-making miracles.

If you’re tempted to add Quacks of Quedlinburg to your own shelf of wonders, here’s a little link that helps support the meadow: https://amzn.to/4ieT5OS).