Setting Up

1. Prepare the Jewel Card Pyramid:

   • Shuffle the three Jewel card decks (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3).

   • Lay them out in a pyramid:

     • 5 cards from Level 1.

     • 4 cards from Level 2.

     • 3 cards from Level 3.

   • Place the remaining cards in separate decks next to their corresponding rows.

2. Set Up the Jewel Tokens:

   • Place all jewel tokens into the bag, shake it well, and draw 25 tokens one at a time.

   • Arrange these tokens on the central board following the spiral pattern indicated by the arrows.

   • Set the token bag aside.

3. Add the Accessories:

   • Place 3 privilege scrolls next to the board.

   • Deal 4 Royal cards face up below the board.

   • Keep the victory tile nearby for reference—it reminds players of the 3 winning conditions.

4. Assign Starting Privileges:

   • Choose the first player (determine this however you like).

   • The second player receives 1 privilege scroll to start the game.

And that’s it—you’re ready to duel!

Gameplay

Turn Structure

Each turn has optional and mandatory actions, which must be performed in order:

Optional Actions (You CAN do these first):

1. Spend a privilege scroll (if you have one) to take any non-gold gem token from the board.

2. Refill the board: If there are tokens in the bag, refill the board. However, doing so grants your opponent a privilege scroll. If no scrolls remain, they take one from you!

Mandatory Actions (You MUST do one of these):

1. Take Tokens:

   • Collect up to 3 tokens in a line from the board (excluding gold tokens).

   • Gold tokens interrupt the line—you can only take tokens up to the gold.

   • If you take 3 tokens of the same color or 2 pearls, gain 1 privilege scroll (if available).

   • You can only hold 10 tokens (excluding permanent bonuses from purchased Jewel cards) at the end of your turn.

2. Reserve a Card and Take Gold:

   • Take 1 gold token from the board and reserve a Jewel card from any row or draw blind from any deck.

   • Keep reserved cards hidden. Replace the taken card with the top card from the corresponding deck.

   • You can only reserve 3 cards at a time.

3. Purchase a Jewel Card:

   • Use your tokens (including wild gold tokens) and permanent gems from your purchased Jewel cards to buy a card from the board or your reserved cards.

   • Add the purchased card to your display, and return any physical tokens spent to the bag.
     

Bonus Effects on Jewel Cards

Purchased Jewel cards may include these bonuses:

• Two Arrows: Take an immediate extra turn.

• Multiple Stones: This card acts as a permanent gem of any type (choose once when acquired).

• Gem Icon: Take one token of the matching color from the board (or steal one from your opponent).

• Privilege Scroll Icon: Gain a scroll (or steal one if none are left).

• Hand Icon: Steal a token or pearl from your opponent.
  

Crowning Glory

• Some Jewel cards feature crowns.

• When you collect 3 crowns, choose a Royal card from the available display. Royal cards grant bonus points or extra abilities.

• Your second Royal card requires 6 crowns to claim.
  

Winning the Game

The game ends immediately when a player meets one of these winning conditions:

1. 20 Victory Points (VPs).

2. 10 Crowns.

3. 10 VPs on Jewel cards of the same color.

The winner is crowned the most Splendid Duelist! In case of a tie, the player with the most points in the final round wins.

Tips for Play

• Splendor Duel offers direct player interaction not present in the original Splendor.

• Keep an eye on your opponent’s resources to anticipate their moves and adjust your strategy.

• Use privilege scrolls wisely—they can turn the tide at critical moments.