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Official SET Rules
SET is a fast-paced card game that challenges your visual perception and speed. Here's how to play:
Objective
Identify as many "SETs" of cards as possible before the deck is depleted.
Setup
Shuffle the deck of cards.
Deal 12 cards face-up in a grid formation (3 rows of 4 cards each).
Gameplay
Players simultaneously search for a SET among the face-up cards.
A SET consists of three cards in which each of the card’s features, looked at one-by-one, are either all the same or all different. For example:
All cards have the same shape, or all have different shapes.
All cards have the same color, or all have different colors.
All cards have the same number, or all have different numbers.
All cards have the same shading, or all have different shadings.
Finding a SET:
When a player identifies a SET, they call out "SET!".
The player then points out the three cards that form the SET.
If the SET is correct, the player collects those three cards, and three new cards are dealt to replace them, keeping the grid at 12 cards.
If the SET is incorrect, the player is penalized by being unable to call out another SET until another player finds a correct SET.
No SET Available:
If all players agree there is no SET in the 12 cards, three additional cards are dealt face-up to the grid, making a total of 15 cards.
Players continue to search for a SET among the new set of cards.
This process can be repeated until a SET is found or the deck is depleted.
Winning the Game
The game ends when the deck is depleted and no more SETs can be found among the remaining cards.
The player with the most SETs at the end of the game wins.
Notes/Variations
Special Rules:
If the deck runs out of cards and no SET can be found among the remaining cards, the game ends immediately.
In case of a tie, the players can agree to a tie-breaker round or simply declare the game a tie.
Strategy Tips:
Pattern Recognition: Practice identifying patterns quickly.
Focus on One Feature: Start by focusing on one feature to narrow down possible SETs.
Quick Response: Be ready to call out "SET" quickly but accurately to avoid penalties.
Variations:
Speed SET: Use a timer to limit the time available for finding each SET.
Team SET: Play in teams, combining efforts to find SETs.
SET is a game that challenges your brain while providing endless entertainment. It's suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
