Instructions / Rules for Basketball Duel Card Game

INSTRUCTIONS: BASKETBALL DUEL!

There's 2 ways to play:

1) 2-4 Players (Individual)

2) Team Play - 2v2 (See bottom)

Object: Score the most points after 2 rounds to win.

The Cards: The deck consists of two types of cards: Bonus Cards (5) and Game Cards (58). Bonus Cards have a blue back, while Game Cards have an orange back. Additionally, there are two white cards that provide quick-start information on basic rules and gameplay. The Game Cards include Item Cards, Immunity Cards, and Swipe Cards.

Bonus Card

Game: Item

Game: Swipe

Game: Immunity

Playing Cards Properly: Each 'Item Card' contains one-quarter of two Basketball Items (one top and one bottom). On your turn, you must properly connect the cards so that all sides match. If you are unable to play, you must discard a card from your hand.

Shuffle/Deal Bonus Cards:

Shuffle the five Bonus Cards (blue back) and deal one to each player face down. Players may choose to reveal their Bonus Card to everyone or keep it hidden. Regardless, each player should look at their own Bonus Card. We recommend keeping it face down to mislead opponents about which item you are trying to complete. Any unused Bonus Cards should be set aside face down.

Each Bonus Card features a specific item, such as a 'Sneakers'. When you successfully complete the item on your Bonus Card by connecting all four pieces, you earn 3 points (3 point play!). All other completed items are worth 2 points. Because of extra scoring value, focusing on completing your Bonus Card item can be a key strategy.

Shuffle/Deal Game Cards:

Shuffle the 58 Game Cards (orange back) and deal four to each player. Players should hold their cards in a way that prevents opponents from seeing them. Place the remaining Game Cards face down in the center of the table to form the Draw Pile.

Rules: 2-4 Players (Individual)

Starting the Game (Round 1):
The youngest player goes first, and turns proceed clockwise. At the start of each turn, draw one card from the Draw Pile or from the top of the Discard Pile if it is an Item Card. On your first turn, you may select any Item Card to be your 'Start' card. Place this card face up in front of you to begin your Play Area. Ensure there is enough space around your Start Card, as you will be connecting additional cards to your Play Area throughout the game.

Playing the Game:

After the 'Start' turn, you must properly connect an Item Card, either vertically or horizontally, to your play area as you work to complete one of the five Basketball Items. If you are unable to play a card in your play area, you must discard any card from your hand to the Discard Pile, located next to the Draw Pile.

Once a card is played, it cannot be moved to another spot unless an opponent uses a 'Swipe' play. If you need more space on the table, you may adjust your cards, but they must remain in the same relative positions.

After playing one card, your turn ends, and the next player takes their turn. Turns proceed in a clockwise rotation around the table.

The objective of the game is to complete Basketball Items by properly connecting four Item Cards to form a complete item. Completing an item earns you 2 points! If you complete the item on your Bonus Card, you score 3 points (3 point play). Once an item is completed, it is locked and cannot be taken by another player using 'Swipe.'

Cards with a STAR: If you play a card with a ‘Star Icon,’ you get an extra turn. This means you immediately draw again and make another play. These cards can be prime targets for Swipe plays since they provide an extra turn when played.

Immunity Cards:

On your turn, you may play an 'Immunity Card,' which protects you from having an Item Card of that type Swiped by another player. Place this card face up in front of you so all players can see it. Playing an 'Immunity Card' counts as your turn, and play then proceeds to the next player.

Swipe Cards:

On your turn, you may play a 'Swipe Card' to take an opponent’s card from the table. Cards in an opponent's hand are protected and cannot be Swiped. There are three types of Swipe Cards, each specifying the type of card you can take. Once you play a Swipe Card, announce your action, take the selected card, and then discard the used Swipe Card to the Discard Pile.

Swipe: Item

The ‘Swipe: Item’ card allows you to take any Item Card from an opponent’s play area. Some Swipe Cards specify a particular item, such as "Basketball" or "Sneakers," while others are marked "Wild," allowing you to choose any item. The only exceptions are:

You cannot Swipe an Item Card that is part of a completed (all four pieces connected) and scored item.
You cannot Swipe an Item Card if the opponent has played an Immunity Card that protects that item.

Swipe: Bonus

The ‘Swipe: Bonus’ card allows you to take one of your opponent's Bonus Cards. Alternatively, you may choose one of the unused (not dealt) Bonus Cards, which does not affect your opponents and may reduce negative reactions. Once you take the Bonus Card, look at it and place it next to your current Bonus Card, either face down or exposed. Having two Bonus Cards allows you to score 3 points for completing either item. After playing the Swipe Card, discard it to the Discard Pile.

Swipe: Immunity

The ‘Swipe: Immunity’ card allows you to take one of your opponent’s Immunity Cards. Once taken, place it in front of you or next to any Immunity Cards you've already played. Having two Immunity Cards provides stronger protection, preventing Item Cards of that type from being Swiped. After using the Swipe Card, discard it to the Discard Pile.

End of the Round:

Once all the cards from the Draw Pile have been taken, each player may play any remaining playable cards in their hand, such as an Item Card or a Swipe Card that helps complete an item. Then, reveal all 'Bonus' Cards and tally your points:

2 points for each completed item.
3 points for completing the item on your Bonus Card.

This total is your score for Round 1. Collect all the cards, shuffle, and deal to start Round 2. The player who was "next up" in turn rotation at the end of Round 1 will go first in Round 2.

End of the Game & Winning:

After completing two rounds, the game ends. The player with the highest cumulative score wins. In the event of a tie, refer to the 'Sudden Death' rules below.

Sudden Death: If there is a tie, shuffle only the Item Cards. Deal four face-up cards to each tied player, then continue dealing one card per turn. The first player to properly complete an item wins. If both players complete an item on the same turn, the game ends in a tie, and both players share the victory!

Team Play - 2 verses 2

It is recommended to play at least 1 round using "Individual" Play so you can understand the rules and game flow.

Rules for Team Play:

You must sit across from your teammate so turns alternate between teams.
On your turn, you may play on your play area or your teammate's play area. If you cannot play on either, you must discard a card to the discard pile.
When you play a 'Swipe' Card, you may swipe a card from either opponent and then play on your play area or your teammate's play area.
Immunity Cards are not shared with your teammate. Each Immunity Card provides protection only to the individual player. However, you may choose to play an Immunity Card for your teammate for strategic reasons (e.g., to protect their bonus item).
Bonus Cards are not shared with your teammate. Discreetly inform your teammate of your bonus item so they can assist in completing it and scoring more points.
At the end of the round, tally your combined team points. This total is your team’s score.
Play two rounds to complete the game.