7 Wonders' science victory condition has been debated since the game's release. Green cards score exponentially — three different science symbols score well, multiples of the same symbol score through squares. A focused science strategy can win decisively against players not actively contesting it. This is a real game design consideration.

The debate matters most at specific player counts. At three players, science rushing is more viable because there are fewer opponents to race against the science player. At seven players, contesting science is distributed across more players, making the green cards more competitive.

The game works as designed when players are aware of the science threat and respond appropriately. The first-timer experience of losing to a science player who 'didn't realize it was that strong' is a learning session rather than a design flaw. By the second play, the table is managing the science track correctly.