Enter a universe of unlimited options with Universe of Cards! This page provides a basic introduction to the gameplay and rules of this game. For more detailed rules information, check back soon for our In Depth Rules. Or, if you want to read a PDF, download the beginner rulebook from the link below.

Starting The Game

To start, all players shuffle their 25 card deck and draw their opening hand of 7 cards. If you dislike your hand, you can mulligan and shuffle it back into your deck and draw a new hand of 6 cards. (Remember to decide who goes first! Anything from Rock-Paper-Scissors to rolling a die will do)

Gems

Each turn, players will gain Gems equal to their turn number. For example, on Turn 1, all players would have 1 Gem each. On turn 7, 7 Gems, and so on. Gems refresh before all players begin their turn.

Turn Structure

Your turn is split into multiple phases.

• The Starting Phase

• The Main Phase

• The Combat Phase

• The End Phase

Starting Phase

During your starting phase, you must complete these actions in this order:

• Unexhaust all of your cards by turning them upright (90 degrees).

• Activate all Start Of Turn effects listed on cards. 

• Draw a card from the top of your deck (All players skip this step on their first turn).

Main Phase

During this phase, you can play as many cards as you can afford with your Gems, as well as activate as many abilities that you can use. This is the only phase you can play cards in.

Remember! There are two lanes to play cards into! Make sure to spread out your power across both lanes in case a certain sand dwelling creature emerges…

Combat Phase

During this phase, you can attack other opponents’ cards with your attacker cards that are unexhausted.

To attack, simply exhaust the card you are using to attack and choose an opposing card in the same lane as your target (You can’t attack cards your opponent played during their last turn). Then, you deal damage equal to your power to that opposing card. You can’t attack that card again until your next turn.

If you attack an unexhausted attacker card, it deals damage back to you too, so be careful!

End Phase

During this phase, you must, in this order:

• Activate all End Of Turn effects listed on your cards
• End your turn!

When you have completed your turn, play passes to your opponent. When all players have finished turn 1, move on to turn 2, and so on.

Winning The Game

At the end of the 8th turn, all players count their total power. Whichever player has the highest power at the end of the game WINS!