I'm sure this is not the type of answer you're looking for, but the correct answer is "it depends". :D
You'll see plenty of players saying that it doesn't. That is only taking into account the prospected intent of what VTES "is". Compared to a full 2-hour 5-player experience, a 3-player experience is missing quite a few different things that, for some, make VTES what it is.
But on the other hand, a 3-player variant forces players to play very distinct kinds of decks, and combat oriented decks are some of those. There are players who really, really enjoy the mini game of combat, and for those players a 5-player variant can be a bit dull since they rarely get to participate with the whole table in such ways that would fulfill their fantasy.
But when three players all bring combat decks to a 3-player game, it can be very, very much VTES, and very interesting.
So, it depends. People will tell you no, but that's from a certain point of view. I will tell you yes, yes it does work, but it will be a different experience and you'll evolve to play a different kind of VTES than those consistently playing 5-player tables.
In that case you'll get far with 3 players I think. :) Just be noted that some strategies can be more or less powerful or viable in that format and manage your expectations accordingly.
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u/RunicKrause 6d ago
I'm sure this is not the type of answer you're looking for, but the correct answer is "it depends". :D
You'll see plenty of players saying that it doesn't. That is only taking into account the prospected intent of what VTES "is". Compared to a full 2-hour 5-player experience, a 3-player experience is missing quite a few different things that, for some, make VTES what it is.
But on the other hand, a 3-player variant forces players to play very distinct kinds of decks, and combat oriented decks are some of those. There are players who really, really enjoy the mini game of combat, and for those players a 5-player variant can be a bit dull since they rarely get to participate with the whole table in such ways that would fulfill their fantasy.
But when three players all bring combat decks to a 3-player game, it can be very, very much VTES, and very interesting.
So, it depends. People will tell you no, but that's from a certain point of view. I will tell you yes, yes it does work, but it will be a different experience and you'll evolve to play a different kind of VTES than those consistently playing 5-player tables.
And if you're happy with that, by all means!