Triumvir

Objective

Reach the end of the game with stronger Triumvirs than your opponent(s). Increase the strength of your Triumvirs by equipping them each turn with numbered cards.


Materials

1 Deck of Regular Playing Cards, divided into 13 cards of each suit)


Players

2-4 (2 is recommended)


Setup

Each player has the thirteen card suit from a playing card deck, either Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs. The face cards (J, Q, K) are laid face-up in front of each player, and are called Triumvirs.

Gameplay

Each turn, you and your opponent(s) place a numbered card on one of your own Triumvirs to increase its strength by the number on the card.  Note that the numbered cards each have different effects. Once all ten cards have been played, compare the value of each equivalent Triumvir (Jack to Jack, Queen to Queen, King to King). Highest value wins the Triumvir. Winning the most Triumvirs wins the game. 


Numbered Card effects

A – If an opponent has a 10 equipped to the equivalent Triumvir, this card's value becomes 11.
2 – When this card is equipped, you can move one of your cards to this Triumvir.
3 – Your opponents cannot equip a 2 or a 9 next turn.
4 – Your opponents cannot equip a card to this Triumvir next turn.
5 – When this card is equipped, your opponents must move a card to the equivalent Triumvir from a different Triumvir.
6 – No effect.
7 – This card cannot be equipped to an unequipped Triumvir.
8 – This card cannot be equipped to or moved to a Triumvir with a 7.
9 – After equipping this card, you cannot equip a card with a lower number on the equipped Triumvir.
10 – To equip this card, select two Triumvirs. Your opponent selects which of the two you equip this card to. If you have more than one opponent, the opponent on your left decides.


Notes

  1. Cards are played simultaneously and cannot be shifted based on your opponents' choices. Suggestion: Play them face down in front of all three, count down, then shift the card to the intended card before looking up.

  2. Take turns activating the effect first, when applicable.

  3. In the event of a tie in the number of Triumvirs, or between two equally strong Triumvirs, compare your respective 2nd strongest Triumvirs, regardless of which ones those are.  The strongest Triumvir in this contest decides the game.

Exhibit A: To play your 10, you select 2 Triumvirs, and your opponent chooses one of the two for you.

Exhibit B: Because there is a 10 equipped to the equivalent Triumvir, the Ace is worth 11 points, rather than 1 point.

Exhibit C: When equipping a 2, you move an already equipped card to the same Triumvir.

Exhibit D: When equipping a 6, your opponent moves an already equipped card to the equivalent Triumvir.

Exhibit E: Final Scoring example.