# Splendor Duel

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2022
- **BGG Rating**: 7.9
- **BGG Rank**: #111
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 2.03 / 5
- **Designers**: Bruno Cathala, Marc André
- **Artists**: Davide Tosello
- **Publishers**: Space Cowboys, Belleville (Бельвіль), CoolPlay, Galápagos Jogos, Gémklub, GoKids 玩樂小子
- **Categories**: Card Game, Economic, Renaissance
- **Mechanics**: Contracts, Open Drafting, Race, Set Collection

## Verdict
If you enjoy two-player games and love the essence of Splendor, but crave something with more 'meanness' and tactical decisions, Splendor Duel is a perfect fit!Intense and strategic duelMore interactive than originalImpactful decisions every turnThree victory conditionsHigh-quality componentsTwo-player only gameCan be slightly more complexFierce pearl contentionHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Hey board game enthusiasts! Ready for a duel of gems and strategies? Splendor Duel arrives to spice up two-player tables, taking the essence of the classic Splendor and adding a more engaging and interactive twist. Here, the race for victory against your rival is even more intense, with twists and strategic opportunities that will make you think with every turn. The game retains the core mechanic of collecting gem and pearl tokens from a central board, which you then use to purchase development cards. These cards, in turn, grant you bonuses, royal favors, and, of course, prestige points. But don't think it's just the same old Splendor! We have brand-new card powers, special Privileges, and a fierce battle for the valuable Pearls, which are essential for acquiring nearly half of the available cards. The board is shared, and the token refill dynamic is a spectacle in itself. You can choose to refill the board if the options aren't great, but this grants a Privilege token to your opponent—a decision that can change the game's direction! With three different victory conditions, each match is a new chance to prove your mastery in the art of collecting and negotiating. It's a more complex, dynamic, and tense game than the original, perfect for those seeking a direct and highly interactive challenge.

## How to Play
Game Objective
In Splendor Duel, you and your opponent are master jewelers' guild members, competing for supremacy in the Renaissance. Your goal is to impress the most powerful leaders with majestic adornments, accumulating Prestige points, Crowns, and Jewel cards. Victory will be yours if you achieve one of three victory conditions: obtain 20 Prestige points, acquire 10 Crowns, or have 10 Prestige points in cards of the same color.

Preparation (Setup)

  Shuffle the 3 decks of Jewel cards separately and place them in a column with level 1 at the bottom.
  Reveal 3 level 3 cards, 4 level 2 cards, and 5 level 1 cards, forming a pyramid below the Victory tile.
  Position the board below the pyramid and place the 25 tokens on it, starting from the central space and following the printed spiral.
  Place the 3 Privilege scrolls above the board.
  Place the 4 Royalty cards below the board.
  Choose the first player randomly. The opponent takes 1 Privilege.


The Game Turn
On your turn, you can perform optional actions and must perform one mandatory action.
Optional Actions:

  Return 1 or more Privileges to take Gemstone or Pearl tokens.
  Refill the Board: mix the tokens in the bag and place them in empty spaces. Your opponent takes 1 Privilege.

Mandatory Action:

  Take up to 3 adjacent tokens from the board (Gemstones and/or Pearls).
  Reserve a card: take 1 Gold token and 1 Jewel card.
  Buy a card: pay the cost using your tokens and place it in front of you.


End of Game and Scoring
The game ends when a player meets one of the victory conditions at the end of their turn:

  Having 3 or more Crowns.
  Having 20 or more Prestige points.
  Having 10 or more Prestige points in cards of the same color.


Tips for Winning

  Plan your Jewel card purchases to get bonuses that reduce the cost of future purchases.
  Pay attention to card abilities and use them to your advantage.
  Control the number of tokens so as not to exceed the limit of 10 at the end of your turn.

## FAQ
### How many players can play Splendor Duel?
Splendor Duel is exclusively designed for two players, making it perfect for a head-to-head strategic showdown.

### What is the average playtime for Splendor Duel?
A game of Splendor Duel typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, ideal for quick and engaging sessions.

### What is the complexity level of Splendor Duel?
With a BGG weight of 2.0263/5, Splendor Duel is considered light to medium complexity. It's accessible for newcomers but offers tactical depth for experienced players.

### What are the main differences between Splendor Duel and the original Splendor?
Splendor Duel focuses more on direct confrontation between two players, featuring a dynamic shared token board, new cards with special powers, privileges, and three victory conditions, making it more tense and interactive.

### Are the components of Splendor Duel good quality?
Yes, the game maintains the high-quality standard of the original Splendor, with sturdy tokens and well-illustrated cards, providing a great tactile experience.

### Do I need to know the original Splendor to play Splendor Duel?
No, it's not necessary. While it shares the core concept, Splendor Duel is a standalone game with its own rules and nuances, making it easy to learn even without prior experience with the base game.

### Who is Splendor Duel recommended for?
It is highly recommended for couples, friends looking for a strategic challenge for two, and fans of the original Splendor who want a more competitive version with more direct interaction.

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