Official Splendor Duel Rules

Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Splendor Duel is a two-player card game that distills the essence of Splendor into a quick, strategic showdown. Players draft gem tokens and develop their card tableau, aiming to outmaneuver their opponent and control the board. With new powers and strategic twists, Splendor Duel offers a streamlined yet deep experience, perfect for head-to-head competition.

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How to Play Splendor Duel

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Setting Up

1. Prepare the Jewel Card Pyramid:
   • Shuffle the three Jewel card decks (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3).
   • Lay them out in a pyramid:
     • 5 cards from Level 1.
     • 4 cards from Level 2.
     • 3 cards from Level 3.
   • Place the remaining cards in separate decks next to their corresponding rows.
2. Set Up the Jewel Tokens:
   • Place all jewel tokens into the bag, shake it well, and draw 25 tokens one at a time.
   • Arrange these tokens on the central board following the spiral pattern indicated by the arrows.
   • Set the token bag aside.
3. Add the Accessories:
   • Place 3 privilege scrolls next to the board.
   • Deal 4 Royal cards face up below the board.
   • Keep the victory tile nearby for reference—it reminds players of the 3 winning conditions.
4. Assign Starting Privileges:
   • Choose the first player (determine this however you like).
   • The second player receives 1 privilege scroll to start the game.

And that’s it—you’re ready to duel!

Gameplay

Turn Structure

Each turn has optional and mandatory actions, which must be performed in order:

Optional Actions (You CAN do these first):

1. Spend a privilege scroll (if you have one) to take any non-gold gem token from the board.
2. Refill the board: If there are tokens in the bag, refill the board. However, doing so grants your opponent a privilege scroll. If no scrolls remain, they take one from you!

Mandatory Actions (You MUST do one of these):

1. Take Tokens:
   • Collect up to 3 tokens in a line from the board (excluding gold tokens).
   • Gold tokens interrupt the line—you can only take tokens up to the gold.
   • If you take 3 tokens of the same color or 2 pearls, gain 1 privilege scroll (if available).
   • You can only hold 10 tokens (excluding permanent bonuses from purchased Jewel cards) at the end of your turn.
2. Reserve a Card and Take Gold:
   • Take 1 gold token from the board and reserve a Jewel card from any row or draw blind from any deck.
   • Keep reserved cards hidden. Replace the taken card with the top card from the corresponding deck.
   • You can only reserve 3 cards at a time.
3. Purchase a Jewel Card:
   • Use your tokens (including wild gold tokens) and permanent gems from your purchased Jewel cards to buy a card from the board or your reserved cards.
   • Add the purchased card to your display, and return any physical tokens spent to the bag.

Bonus Effects on Jewel Cards

Purchased Jewel cards may include these bonuses:

• Two Arrows: Take an immediate extra turn.
• Multiple Stones: This card acts as a permanent gem of any type (choose once when acquired).
• Gem Icon: Take one token of the matching color from the board (or steal one from your opponent).
• Privilege Scroll Icon: Gain a scroll (or steal one if none are left).
• Hand Icon: Steal a token or pearl from your opponent.

Crowning Glory

• Some Jewel cards feature crowns.
• When you collect 3 crowns, choose a Royal card from the available display. Royal cards grant bonus points or extra abilities.
• Your second Royal card requires 6 crowns to claim.

Winning the Game

The game ends immediately when a player meets one of these winning conditions:

1. 20 Victory Points (VPs).
2. 10 Crowns.
3. 10 VPs on Jewel cards of the same color.

The winner is crowned the most Splendid Duelist! In case of a tie, the player with the most points in the final round wins.

Tips for Play

• Splendor Duel offers direct player interaction not present in the original Splendor.
• Keep an eye on your opponent’s resources to anticipate their moves and adjust your strategy.
• Use privilege scrolls wisely—they can turn the tide at critical moments.

Splendor Duel offers a streamlined and competitive experience, capturing the essence of the original Splendor while adding new challenges and strategic depth.