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A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition)
Fantasy Flight Games · 2015
2–460–120 min14+ yrs3.5/5 complexity7.5 BGG#804 BGG10,1 KCouplesStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition)?
The primary objective remains to accumulate 15 power to win the game. However, the Shadows mechanic introduces a new layer of strategy and deception. By concealing cards in the shadow area, players can surprise their opponents with unexpected character deployments, location activations, or event triggers, thereby gaining a tactical advantage in challenges and other phases of the game. The objective is to leverage this element of surprise and resource management to outmaneuver opponents and secure victory.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
Shadows cards are identified by a dark gold cost and a special symbol, and can be marshaled face-down into a separate shadow area for 2 gold, or played face-up for their printed cost.
The rules, step by step
Setup
Shadows cards are easily identifiable by their dark gold cost and a distinct symbol next to the cost. During the marshalling phase, players have the option to marshal these cards face-down into a separate 'shadow area' for a fixed cost of 2 gold. Alternatively, they can choose to play the card face-up directly into play by paying its standard printed gold cost, just like any other card. Cards placed in the shadow area are not considered 'in play' and are therefore immune to effects that target cards currently on the board.
Objective
The primary objective remains to accumulate 15 power to win the game. However, the Shadows mechanic introduces a new layer of strategy and deception. By concealing cards in the shadow area, players can surprise their opponents with unexpected character deployments, location activations, or event triggers, thereby gaining a tactical advantage in challenges and other phases of the game. The objective is to leverage this element of surprise and resource management to outmaneuver opponents and secure victory.
On your turn
During the marshalling phase, the active player can choose to marshal a Shadows card face-down into their personal shadow area by paying 2 gold. This card remains hidden from the opponent. As an action, at almost any point during the game (whenever there is an action window), a player can bring a card out of shadows by paying its 'shadow cost,' which is indicated in parentheses next to the 'Shadow' keyword on the card. Once brought out of shadows, the card is immediately considered 'in play' and its abilities or reactions can be triggered.
Scoring
The Shadows mechanic does not directly contribute to a player's power total or influence the scoring conditions of the game. However, its strategic implementation can significantly impact a player's ability to win challenges, defend against attacks, and control the board state. By deploying powerful characters or activating crucial locations from shadows at opportune moments, players can swing the momentum of the game in their favor, indirectly leading to more successful challenges and, ultimately, more power gained.
Game end
The game concludes when a player accumulates 15 power. The strategic use of Shadows cards can play a pivotal role in reaching this objective. The element of surprise provided by Shadows allows players to protect key assets, launch unexpected attacks, or trigger game-changing effects that can secure the final points needed for victory. Conversely, failing to anticipate an opponent's Shadows plays can lead to devastating setbacks, making the management and prediction of Shadows a crucial aspect of the endgame.
Tips
To effectively use Shadows, consider protecting unique characters by placing them into shadows, making them immune to direct targeting until you choose to reveal them. Use Shadows to bait opponents into committing resources, only to unleash a powerful character or effect from your shadow area when they least expect it. Cards with a shadow cost of 0 are particularly potent, as they can be brought into play for free at critical moments. Additionally, some cards offer discounts for marshalling into shadows or provide benefits when cards are brought out of shadows, creating powerful synergies for a Shadows-focused deck.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity3.5 / 5
BGG rating7.5 / 10
Vibe
CouplesStrategy
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
60–120 min
Players
2–4
Recommended age
14+ yrs
BGG rank
#804
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective remains to accumulate 15 power to win the game. However, the Shadows mechanic introduces a new layer of strategy and deception. By concealing cards in the shadow area, players can surprise their opponents with unexpected character deployments, location activations, or event triggers, thereby gaining a tactical advantage in challenges and other phases of the game. The objective is to leverage this element of surprise and resource management to outmaneuver opponents and secure victory.
Q2How do you set up the game?
Shadows cards are easily identifiable by their dark gold cost and a distinct symbol next to the cost. During the marshalling phase, players have the option to marshal these cards face-down into a separate 'shadow area' for a fixed cost of 2 gold. Alternatively, they can choose to play the card face-up directly into play by paying its standard printed gold cost, just like any other card. Cards placed in the shadow area are not considered 'in play' and are therefore immune to effects that target cards currently on the board.
Q3How does a turn work?
During the marshalling phase, the active player can choose to marshal a Shadows card face-down into their personal shadow area by paying 2 gold. This card remains hidden from the opponent. As an action, at almost any point during the game (whenever there is an action window), a player can bring a card out of shadows by paying its 'shadow cost,' which is indicated in parentheses next to the 'Shadow' keyword on the card. Once brought out of shadows, the card is immediately considered 'in play' and its abilities or reactions can be triggered.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
The Shadows mechanic does not directly contribute to a player's power total or influence the scoring conditions of the game. However, its strategic implementation can significantly impact a player's ability to win challenges, defend against attacks, and control the board state. By deploying powerful characters or activating crucial locations from shadows at opportune moments, players can swing the momentum of the game in their favor, indirectly leading to more successful challenges and, ultimately, more power gained.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes when a player accumulates 15 power. The strategic use of Shadows cards can play a pivotal role in reaching this objective. The element of surprise provided by Shadows allows players to protect key assets, launch unexpected attacks, or trigger game-changing effects that can secure the final points needed for victory. Conversely, failing to anticipate an opponent's Shadows plays can lead to devastating setbacks, making the management and prediction of Shadows a crucial aspect of the endgame.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
To effectively use Shadows, consider protecting unique characters by placing them into shadows, making them immune to direct targeting until you choose to reveal them. Use Shadows to bait opponents into committing resources, only to unleash a powerful character or effect from your shadow area when they least expect it. Cards with a shadow cost of 0 are particularly potent, as they can be brought into play for free at critical moments. Additionally, some cards offer discounts for marshalling into shadows or provide benefits when cards are brought out of shadows, creating powerful synergies for a Shadows-focused deck.
Q7How much does A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) cost?
A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) costs around 379 RON in Romania.
Q8Where can I buy A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) cheapest?
The lowest price for A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) right now is 379 RON at Red Goblin. The Prices tab lists every store currently tracking it.
Q9How do you play A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition)?
A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) is a bluffing game, for 2–4 players, taking ~60–120 minutes, featuring alliances. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) support?
A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (Second Edition) is played by 2–4 players.
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