Even Odds — How to Play

Objective of the Game

The objective of Even Odds is to finish the game with the lowest score after three rounds. Players compete in disputes by playing numbered tiles, where the highest-value tile wins—but winning means scoring points (which is bad!). You can only see the backs of your own tiles (showing their color), while opponents see the fronts (showing numbers).

Preparation (Setup)

1. Place all 50 tiles (numbered 1–10, in 5 colors) into the velvet bag and mix them.
2. Distribute tiles per player count:
   • 3 players: 12 tiles each (remove all tiles of one color first).
   • 4 players: 12 tiles each.
   • 5 players: 10 tiles each.
   • 6 players: 8 tiles each.
3. Players organize their tiles by color, flip them backside up, then pass them to the player on their left.
4. Set tiles upright so you see only the backs of your own tiles (opponents see the fronts).
5. The last winner of an odds/evens game goes first.

Flow of the Game

The game has 3 rounds, each consisting of multiple disputes:

1. Dispute Phase: Players take turns playing one tile per dispute, matching the current color (unless a 10 tile is played).
2. Winning a Dispute: The highest-value tile wins. The winner takes the lowest-value tile from the dispute to score its points.
3. Round End: When all tiles are played, tally partial scores. Reshuffle tiles and start a new round.

Actions and How to Play

The Dispute

• The first player plays any tile (only seeing its back/color), placing it frontside up.
• Next players must play a tile of the same color (unless the last tile was a 10—see below). If unable, they may change the color.
• 10 Tile Rule: Playing a 10 lets you choose the next color. If it’s the last tile in a dispute, this effect is ignored.

Winning a Dispute

• The highest-numbered tile wins. Ties go to the last player who played the highest value.
• The winner takes the lowest-value tile from the dispute (their score). Discard other tiles facedown.

End of Game and Scoring

• The game ends after 3 rounds. Add each player’s scored tiles across all rounds.
• The lowest total score wins. Ties are broken by the lowest score in the last round. If still tied, players share the victory.

Tips to Win

• Avoid winning disputes early: Winning means taking low-value tiles (points), so strategize when to play high numbers.
• Use the 10 tile wisely: Force color changes to disrupt opponents’ plans.
• Track visible tiles: Since opponents’ tiles are face-up, note which high/low numbers are already played.