How to Learn to Play Splendor

How to Play Splendor: A Simple Guide

Hey there! Want to learn Splendor? It's a super fun game where you collect gems and buy cards to score points. This guide will teach you everything you need to know.

The Goal: Get 15 Prestige Points!

That's it! First to 15 points wins. You get points by collecting gems, buying cards, and grabbing Noble tokens. It's all about smart choices.

What's in the Box?

• Noble Tokens: These give you 3 points each. You get them if you have the right gems. Think of them as bonus points!
• Development Cards: These are like upgrades. They cost gems and give you more gems or points.
• Gem Tokens: Your in-game money! Red, green, blue, white, and black. You can only hold so many.
• Prestige Points: Your score! 15 and you win!
• Player Boards: Your personal gem and point tracker.

Setting Up the Game

1. Lay out the Development Cards, showing three of each color (red, green, blue, white, black).
2. Put the Noble tokens in the middle.
3. Place the gem tokens in the middle – five of each color.
4. Each player gets two gold gems to start. Gold is like a wildcard gem.

Your Turn: Three Choices

On your turn, you can do ONE of these:

1. Take Gems: Three different colors, OR two of the same (if there are enough).
2. Reserve a Card: Take a card from the table. You get a gold gem for doing this.
3. Buy a Card: Pay the cost shown on a card. Add its points to your score.

Important: You can only hold 10 gems at a time. You can also only reserve 3 cards at a time.

After your turn, refill empty card spaces and check for Nobles. If you meet a Noble's gem requirements, grab it!

Game Over!

The game ends when someone hits 15 prestige points. That person is the champion!

Splendor Strategy: Tips and Tricks

Here's the fun part: knowing how to win! It’s more than just luck.

Gem Management: Don't Hoard!

Don't just collect gems randomly. Buy cards that match your gems. Otherwise, you'll have a bunch of useless gems. My friend once lost because he had too many green gems.

Card Selection: Think Ahead!

Pick cards that help you get more gems and points. Look at what Nobles are available. Are there synergies between cards?

Noble Acquisition: Bonus Points!

Nobles are easy points. Try to plan your card purchases to get them.

Reserved Cards: Smart Choices

Reserving a card is great if you need a specific gem. It helps you plan ahead.

Opponent Awareness: Watch Out!

Pay attention to what your opponents are doing! They might be trying to take the cards or gems you need. Sometimes, blocking an opponent is a good strategy.

Splendor's Engine-Building

Splendor is an "engine-building" game. That means you build a set of cards that help you get more gems and points faster.

Each card you buy makes your "engine" stronger. You’ll be buying bigger and better cards as the game goes on! It's like building a super-powered gem-collecting machine!

Variations and Advanced Stuff

Once you're good, try new strategies! There are tons of ways to play. Experiment!

Conclusion: Have Fun!

Splendor is awesome! It's easy to learn but hard to master. Grab your friends and play!