splendor

splendor rules — frequently asked questions

Can I take 2 tokens of a color that has only 3 left?

No. The take-2 action requires the pile to hold at least 4 tokens before you draw. With 3 or fewer, you can only take that color as part of a take-3-different action.

How do I get gold tokens?

Only by reserving a card — you get 1 gold with each reservation while the gold supply lasts. Gold can never be taken with the normal token actions. It's wild when paying for cards.

Can I reserve a card from the top of a deck?

Yes — reserve blind from any of the three decks. You look at it privately; opponents know only its tier. It still counts toward your 3-reservation limit.

Can I buy another player's reserved card?

No. Reserved cards belong to the reserver alone — that's what makes reserving a strong denial move.

What's the token limit?

Ten total, including gold, checked at the end of your turn. If you're over, return tokens of your choice to the supply until you hold 10.

Do card discounts stack below zero?

They stack all the way to free: with 4 ruby bonuses, a card costing 4 rubies costs nothing. Cost never goes negative — extra bonuses simply aren't needed.

Can I get two nobles in one turn?

No — one noble visit per turn, even if you qualify for several (you pick which). A second qualifying noble can visit on a later turn; nobles never run away once you qualify.

Is refusing a noble allowed to delay the game end?

No — noble visits are automatic at the end of your turn. You can't decline the 3 points.

What exactly ends the game?

Someone reaching 15+ prestige triggers the final phase: play continues until the round is complete, so every player has taken the same number of turns. Then compare totals — a trailing player can still steal it on the last turn.

Who wins a tie at the end?

The tied player who purchased fewer development cards. Same points with a smaller tableau is judged the more elegant victory.