How to Play Solar Eclipse

Objective of the Game

Solar Eclipse is a trick-taking game where players aim to predict the number of tricks they will take each round. Players play two cards into every trick, combining their ranks to form a stronger total, or trumping with an eclipse when their cards' ranks match. When a moon card is led, players must skillfully deceive their rivals to meet their prediction and achieve victory. The player with the most points after four rounds is the winner.

Preparation (Setup)

To set up Solar Eclipse, follow these steps:

1. Place the 7 bonus cards in a pile within reach of all players.
2. Players randomly choose the 1st dealer.
3. The dealer shuffles the deck of playing cards (42 cards, ranks 1-21 sun, 1-21 moon) and deals 14 cards to each player.
4. In a 2-player game, the extra 14 cards are put aside face down until the next hand, when they're shuffled back into the deck.
5. Each player receives 6 bid cards (from 3 sets of 6 cards, totaling 18 bid cards).

Fluxo do Jogo

The game progresses through rounds, each consisting of several tricks. Here's the general flow:

Selecting a Bid Card

Before the first trick of a round, players examine their hand of playing cards. Then, each player selects any one of their bid cards, placing it face down in front of them. This chosen card represents their goal for the round. The unselected bid cards are set aside separately face down.

Trick Play: First Cards

The dealer leads the first trick of a round. The lead player of a trick plays any card from their hand face up. In clockwise order, other players also play a face up card, following the suit of the lead player’s card if possible. If a player is unable to follow the suit of the lead player’s card, they may play any card from their hand.

Trick Play: Second Cards

The trick continues with the lead player playing another card, followed by all other players in clockwise order. If a Sun card was the first card played by the lead player, all players' second cards are played face up. If a Moon card was the first card played by the lead player, all players' second cards are played face down. Players simultaneously flip their cards face up once all players have played their second card.

Resolving Tricks

Once each player has played two cards, the trick is resolved. The player who played the highest eclipse wins the trick. If no eclipses were played, the player who played the cards with the highest total strength wins the trick. To calculate total strength, add together the ranks of both cards played. Important: Any cards that do not match the suit of the lead player’s first card are treated as having zero (0) rank. Ties for strength are won by the player with the highest card in the lead suit.

Winning a Trick

The winner of a trick places all cards from the trick in a face down pile in front of them, making sure to keep piles from each trick won separate from each other. If a player wins a trick without using an eclipse, they also take one Bonus card and place it on top of the face down trick pile. The winner of a trick leads the next trick. Proceed to scoring after playing 7 tricks.

Ações e Como Jogar

Playing Cards

Players play two cards into every trick. The first card played by the lead player determines the lead suit. Other players must follow the suit of the lead player’s card if possible. If a player is unable to follow the suit, they may play any card from their hand.

Playing Second Cards

The second card a player chooses to play into a trick must follow the suit of the lead player’s first card if possible. This applies to the lead player as well. If a player is unable to follow the lead suit with their second card, they may play any card.

Eclipse

A player may optionally choose to play a card with a rank that matches their first card played, even if they were able to follow the lead suit. Playing cards with matching ranks creates an Eclipse, which is always a stronger combination than any two cards with different ranks.

Calculating Total Strength

To calculate total strength, add together the ranks of both cards played. Any cards that do not match the suit of the lead player’s first card are treated as having zero (0) rank.

Fim de Jogo e Pontuação

The game proceeds to scoring after playing 7 tricks in a round. Players score the points shown on their bid card if their amount of tricks taken this round matches the bid amount. Regardless of whether a player matched their bid, all players also score 1 additional point per Bonus card acquired. The player clockwise of the dealer becomes the dealer for the next round. The player with the most points after four rounds is the winner! If tied, the player with more Bonus cards in the final round wins! If still tied, share victory.

Dicas para Vencer

• Consider playing cards with matching ranks to create an Eclipse, as it is always a stronger combination than two cards with different ranks.
• When a Moon card is led, remember that all players' second cards are played face down, which can be used for deception.
• Strategically acquire Bonus cards, as they provide 1 additional point each, regardless of whether you matched your bid.