# Galaxy Trucker: Even-Steven Cards

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-4
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 2.13 / 5
- **Designers**: Vlaada Chvátil
- **Artists**: Radim Pech, Tomáš Kučerovský
- **Publishers**: Czech Games Edition (CGE), Heidelberger Spieleverlag, IELLO
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Real-time, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Transportation
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Memory, Tile Placement

## Verdict
Space expansion that tweaks the game without overhauling it!Instant strategic variationNo extra componentsLow costSmall impact on gameplayMemory of cards requiredRECOMMENDED

## Description
Galaxy Trucker: Even‑Steven Cards is the most compact, focused add‑on you can throw into your base game. Instead of bringing new pieces or boards, it gives you five bonus cards that shift the balance in a fun, unexpected way. Each card is a swing of advantage or disadvantage that can flip the game in your favor or add a twist for your opponent. For instance, *Surcharge* makes you pay more for each ship segment you place, while *Discount* gives you a rebate on the parts you buy. *Drain* robs resources from other players, and *Source* rewards you with bonus points for building shorter routes. *Weakness* and *Strength* alter your ship’s durability, and *Slow Start* or *Head Start* let you act earlier or later than others. The result is a more unpredictable, balanced game, ideal for groups with players of varying skill levels. The core mechanics stay the same: you still roll dice to determine piece speed, use memory to remember where each card was played, and place pieces on the board in real time. No extra components – just the new cards – so the cost is low and the setup is instant. If you already own the base game and want a splash of extra strategy without overhauling the rules, this expansion is a solid pick. It doesn’t change the theme or add complex new rules, but it gives a strategic edge that can tip the scales in longer games.

## How to Play
Game Objective
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Preparation (Setup)
Before the first Round, randomly shuffle the Even-Steven cards and deal one to each player who will receive a handicap or an advantage. Players must place the card in front of them, with the corresponding side facing up: for players with a handicap, the dark side applies; for players with an advantage, the light side applies. The player must read the card and announce to the others what their handicap or advantage is. The card applies for one Round.

Game Flow
The Even-Steven card applies for one Round. Before each Round, all Even-Steven cards must be shuffled and dealt again. The same players must again receive a random handicap or advantage. While it is possible to change after the first Round if the idea proves to be bad, it is generally better for a player to play the entire game under the same conditions.

Actions and How to Play
The Even-Steven cards are used to adjust the game balance. More experienced players can voluntarily accept a handicap to give others a chance. Alternatively, or additionally, the entire group can agree to give an advantage to less experienced players. It is crucial that all players agree to the application of handicaps or advantages, and no one should be forced to accept them. The use of these cards is flexible: one can give handicaps to the best, advantages to the weakest, or even both in the same game, if the skill differences are too great. However, one should not overdo it; handicaps should only be given to players who will still have a good chance of winning (but with a greater challenge), and advantages to players who will probably still not win (but will be a little closer to victory).

End of Game and Scoring
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Tips for Winning

    If you are a more experienced player, consider voluntarily accepting a handicap with an Even-Steven card to make the game more fun and balanced for everyone.
    If there are less experienced players in the group, the group can agree to give them an advantage with an Even-Steven card so that they have a more enjoyable and competitive experience.
    When using the Even-Steven cards, make sure that all players agree to the application of handicaps or advantages to ensure that the experience is fun for everyone.

## FAQ
### How long does it take to set up the expansion?
Setup is instant – just lay the five cards on the table. No extra components, so the time is virtually zero.

### Does the expansion work with any number of players?
Yes, it works perfectly with 2 to 4 players, just like the base game.

### What are the cards and what do they do?
The cards are: Surcharge, Discount, Drain, Source, Weakness, Strength, Slow Start, and Head Start. Each offers a unique advantage or disadvantage, such as paying more, getting a discount, stealing resources, or altering ship strength.

### Does it increase game complexity?
No. The core mechanics stay the same – roll dice, use memory, and place pieces. The cards simply add an extra layer of strategy.

### Do I need a Portuguese version?
There is no official Portuguese version, but the cards are simple and can be read in English without issue.