Step into the captivating world of Dominion, a thrilling card game that has captivated players worldwide. Dominion invites you to embark on a strategic journey as you build your dominion by carefully acquiring and utilizing powerful cards that will shape the fate of your realm. Each game presents unique challenges and opportunities, as you strive to outmaneuver your opponents and claim victory. Whether you’re a seasoned card strategist or new to the intricacies of deck-building, Dominion’s intuitive gameplay and endless replayability will ensnare you in its captivating embrace.
To begin your Dominion adventure, gather a group of fellow players and embark on a quest for dominance. The game commences with each player receiving a modest starting deck containing basic cards. As the game progresses, you’ll acquire new cards from a central supply. These cards can provide you with a wealth of abilities, such as gaining additional resources, drawing extra cards, or launching devastating attacks against your opponents. The key to success lies in carefully crafting your deck, balancing your resources, and devising clever strategies to maximize your potential. Dominion’s dynamic nature ensures that no two games are ever the same, fostering a constant sense of excitement and unpredictability.
As you delve deeper into the realms of Dominion, you’ll encounter a vast array of cards, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses. From the humble Copper card that provides a steady flow of funds to the formidable Province card that brings you closer to victory, every card has its place in shaping the outcome of the game. The ability to adapt your strategies based on the available cards and the actions of your opponents is crucial. Dominion rewards careful planning, resource management, and a keen eye for opportunity. With each passing game, you’ll refine your skills, discover new strategies, and witness the rise and fall of your dominion in an ever-changing landscape.
Setting Up the Game
Gather your friends and prepare for an exciting game of Dominion. Here’s a detailed guide to setting up the game:
Deck of Cards
The Dominion base game consists of 500 cards divided into three piles: Kingdom Cards, Treasures, and Victory Points. Each card has unique abilities and point values that shape the gameplay.
Playing Area
Designate a central playing area where players can place their cards and discard piles. Each player should have enough space to keep their cards organized and easily accessible.
Setup
Shuffle the Kingdom Cards and deal each player 10 cards. These form their initial hand. Then, shuffle the Treasure and Victory Point piles and place them face down in two separate piles. Reveal the top three cards of each pile to form the initial Supply piles.
| Supply Pile | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Copper | 60 |
| Silver | 40 |
| Gold | 30 |
| Estate | 24 |
| Duchy | 12 |
| Province | 12 |
Each player places their starting deck of 10 cards in front of them, forming their discard pile. The game is now ready to begin.
Gameplay Overview
In Dominion, players assume the role of nobles in the Middle Ages who attempt to gain wealth and prosperity by acquiring various types of land and buildings. These lands and buildings provide players with advantages such as increased card draw, extra buying power, or victory points. The game’s objective is to be the player with the most victory points at the end of the game.
Gameplay
Dominion is played over a series of turns, with each player taking turns in clockwise order. On a player’s turn, they will have two phases: the action phase and the buy phase. During the action phase, players can play action cards to gain additional effects, such as drawing extra cards, gaining money, or attacking other players. During the buy phase, players can spend their accumulated money to purchase new cards to their deck or to improve their existing deck. The game ends when three piles of victory cards run out, or when the province pile runs out and there are no more gold cards left in the supply.
The following table summarizes the key steps of a player’s turn in Dominion:
| Phase | Action |
|---|---|
| Action Phase | Play action cards to gain additional effects. |
| Buy Phase | Spend money to purchase new cards or improve existing deck. |
Choosing Actions
Each turn, you have one action phase. During this phase, you may take up to one action, one buy, and one cleanup. Actions are cards that allow you to interact with the game in various ways. There are many different types of actions, each with its unique effect. Some of the most common actions include:
Village
The Village action is one of the most basic and versatile actions in Dominion. It costs 3 Coins to play and provides you with an extra action on your turn. This can be a powerful ability, as it allows you to chain multiple actions together. For example, you could play a Village, then play a Smithy, and then play a Village again to get two additional Smithies. This can help you build a strong engine quickly and efficiently.
The Village is a great card to have in your deck, especially early in the game. It can help you get ahead on tempo and build a strong engine. However, it’s important to remember that the Village is only worth 1 point when it’s trashed. So, if you’re not careful, you can end up with a lot of dead cards in your deck.
Smithy
The Smithy action is a powerful card that allows you to draw 3 cards. It costs 4 Coins to play, but it can be a great way to get ahead on cards. Drawing extra cards can help you find the cards you need to build your engine and win the game.
The Smithy is a great card to have in your deck, especially if you’re playing a deck that relies on cards that cost 5 Coins or more. However, it’s important to remember that the Smithy is only worth 1 point when it’s trashed. So, if you’re not careful, you can end up with a lot of dead cards in your deck.
Market
The Market action is a versatile card that allows you to buy a card and draw a card. It costs 5 Coins to play, but it can be a great way to get ahead on both cards and Coins. Buying a card can help you build your engine, and drawing a card can help you find the cards you need to win the game.
The Market is a great card to have in your deck, especially if you’re playing a deck that relies on cards that cost 5 Coins or more. However, it’s important to remember that the Market is only worth 1 point when it’s trashed. So, if you’re not careful, you can end up with a lot of dead cards in your deck.
Acquiring Cards
Buying Cards
The most straightforward way to acquire cards is by purchasing them from the Supply. Each card in the Supply has a cost, which is indicated on the card itself. To purchase a card, you must pay its cost in coins. You can only purchase one copy of each card per turn.
Gaining Cards
In addition to buying cards, you can also gain cards by other means. For example, some cards will allow you to draw additional cards, while others will allow you to gain cards from the discard pile or the Exile pile. There are also a number of cards that will give you access to new cards, such as the Village Green or the Market Square.
Trasing Cards
If you have a card that you don’t want, you can trash it. This will remove it from your deck and place it in the Exile pile. You can only trash cards that are in your hand or on your play mat. Some cards will give you bonuses for trashing cards, so it’s important to consider the value of a card before you trash it.
Workshop Cards
Workshop cards are a special type of card that can be used to acquire other cards. When you play a Workshop card, you can choose any card from the Supply that costs up to $4 more than the Workshop card. You then add the chosen card to your hand. Workshop cards can be a great way to get access to cards that you would otherwise not be able to afford.
| Workshop Card | $4+ Card |
|—|—|
| Apprentice | Squire |
| Mason | Quarry |
| Village | Smithy |
| Woodcutter | Feodum |
Building Your Deck
The heart of Dominion lies in its innovative deck-building mechanism. Players start with a basic deck of seven cards and gradually improve it by purchasing new cards from the supply. The deck-building process is crucial, as it determines the strategies and combos you can execute during the game.
1. Choose a Starting Strategy
Start by focusing on a particular type of card or resource, such as money, actions, or points. This will help you narrow down your choices and build a cohesive deck.
2. Prioritize Victory Points
Victory cards are the ultimate goal of the game. Aim to acquire them early and consistently to accumulate points over time. Estate, Duchy, and Province cards provide steady victory points.
3. Balance Actions and Money
Actions allow you to play additional cards or manipulate the game state. Money cards, such as Silver and Gold, provide the resources necessary to purchase more cards. Balance these two card types to maximize your efficiency.
4. Consider Duration Cards
Some cards, known as duration cards, remain in play for multiple turns. They can provide ongoing benefits or disrupt your opponents’ strategies. Consider including a few in your deck for long-term advantages.
5. Card Interactions and Combos
One of the most exciting aspects of Dominion is the potential for card interactions and combos. Experiment with different cards to discover synergies that can dramatically enhance your deck’s power.
Here’s a more detailed look at some common card combos:
| Combos | Description |
|---|---|
| Village + Smithy | Draw three cards and forge three new cards. |
| Silver + Silver + Silver | Purchase a Gold card. |
| Laboratory + Village | Draw two cards and gain an extra action. |
| Witch + Shanty Town | Trash a Copper card and gain two Gold cards. |
Attacking and Defending
Attacking
When you attack, you choose an opponent and roll a die. The result of the die roll determines the strength of your attack. If the result is greater than or equal to your opponent’s defense, you hit them for 1 damage.
Defending
When you are attacked, you roll a die to determine your defense. The result of the die roll is added to your defense stat, and the total is compared to the strength of your opponent’s attack. If the total is greater than or equal to the strength of the attack, you block it and take no damage.
Types of Defenses
There are three types of defenses in Dominion: physical, magical, and mental.
Physical defenses protect you from attacks that target your body, such as swords and arrows. Magical defenses protect you from attacks that target your mind, such as spells. Mental defenses protect you from attacks that target your emotions, such as fear and intimidation.
Attack and Defense Stats
Your attack and defense stats are determined by your character’s equipment and abilities.
The following table shows the different types of defenses and the stats that they affect:
| Defense Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| Physical | Strength, Agility |
| Magical | Intelligence, Wisdom |
| Mental | Willpower, Charisma |
Scoring Victory Points
The goal of Dominion is to earn more victory points (VPs) than your opponents by the end of the game. VPs can be earned through a variety of means, including:
Buying Victory Cards
The most common way to earn VPs is to buy victory cards. Victory cards are cards that have a VP value printed on them. The VP value of a victory card is equal to the number of victory cards you have in your deck at the end of the game.
Estate Cards
Estate cards provide the most basic value during scoring, with each card providing 1 VP.
Duchy Cards
Duchy cards offer a more substantial VP value compared to Estates, granting 3 VPs each.
Province Cards
Province cards hold the highest VP value in the game, with each card worth an impressive 6 VPs.
Curse Cards
Curse cards are unique in that they do not provide any VPs but instead deduct 1 VP from the player’s final score. They can be obtained through certain action cards and serve as a penalty for acquiring too many actions during the game.
Other Ways to Earn Victory Points
In addition to buying victory cards, you can also earn VPs through other means, such as:
- Winning the game
- Possessing certain cards that grant VPs
- Using certain action cards that allow you to earn VPs
Advanced Strategies
Buying Silver First
This is a fundamental strategy; while it may appear simple, it provides a solid foundation for subsequent purchases. Silver provides purchasing power, allowing you to acquire more cards faster.
Thinning Your Deck
By playing cards like Smithy and Village, you can reduce the number of cards in your deck. This increases the likelihood of drawing specific cards when you need them and reduces the chances of holding undesirable cards.
Building an Engine
An engine refers to a set of cards that generate actions, cards, or money. By combining cards like Smithy, Village, and Market, you can create an engine that provides you with consistent resources throughout the game.
Avoiding Curses
Curses are detrimental cards that can significantly hinder your progress. Avoid them as much as possible, but if you do acquire them, try to discard them promptly.
Attacking Others
Dominion allows for interaction between players. By purchasing cards like Thief or Witch, you can attack other players, stealing their cards or cursing them.
Managing Your Hand
Managing your hand is crucial. Keep only the most valuable cards and discard the rest. Consider using cards like Cellar or Chapel to improve the quality of your hand.
Timing Your Purchases
The timing of your purchases is crucial. Don’t wait too long to buy the cards you need, but also don’t spend your money too quickly. Find the right balance to optimize your resource allocation.
Analyzing Your Opponents
Pay attention to what your opponents are doing. Observe their card purchases, their strategies, and their weaknesses. This information can help you tailor your own strategy and anticipate their moves.
| Card | Effect |
|—|—|
| Silver | +2
| Gold | +3
| Province | +6
| Curse | -1
| Thief | Steal 2 Treasures from another player
Card Types and Effects
### Treasure Cards
Treasure cards are used to purchase other cards. They come in four different denominations: Copper (1), Silver (2), Gold (3), and Platinum (5).
### Victory Cards
Victory cards are worth points at the end of the game. They come in three different types: Estate (1 point), Duchy (3 points), and Province (6 points).
### Action Cards
Action cards allow players to perform special actions, such as drawing cards, gaining treasure, or attacking other players. There are many different types of action cards, each with its own unique effect.
Here is a table with a few examples of action cards:
| Card Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Smithy | Draw 3 cards. |
| Village | Draw 2 cards and gain 2 actions. |
| Market | Draw 2 cards and gain 1 action and 1 buy. |
### Curse Cards
Curse cards are worth -1 points at the end of the game. They can be gained through various means, such as buying them from the market or being attacked by another player.
### Duration Cards
Duration cards stay in play for a certain number of turns. They can provide ongoing benefits or penalties to the player who owns them.
### Equipment Cards
Equipment cards provide ongoing benefits to the player who owns them. They can only be played on the player who owns them, and they stay in play until they are discarded or destroyed.
### Reserve Cards
Reserve cards are placed in the player’s reserve pile. They can be played later in the game, even if the player does not have them in their hand.
### Reaction Cards
Reaction cards can be played in response to other events. For example, a player can play a reaction card to block an attack or to gain a benefit from another player’s action.
### Landmark Cards
Landmark cards are played into the Landmark area of the table. They provide ongoing benefits to the player who owns them, and they can only be removed from the game by destroying the Landmark.
Common Mistakes
1. Not Buying Enough Provinces: Provinces are the most valuable cards in the game, so it’s important to prioritize buying them. Aim to have at least one Province in your hand at all times.
2. Buying Too Many Silver: While Silver is a good early-game purchase, don’t get greedy. After you have a couple of Silvers, focus on buying stronger cards.
3. Ignoring Trashing: Trashing cards is one of the best ways to improve your deck. Don’t be afraid to trash weak cards to make room for better ones.
4. Not Paying Attention to the Board: Keep an eye on what cards are in the supply and what cards other players are buying. This information can help you make better decisions about what cards to buy.
5. Forgetting to Use Your Actions: Actions are the most powerful type of card in Dominion. Make sure to use them wisely to get the most out of your turns.
Tips
1. Build a Strong Engine: An engine is a combination of cards that work together to generate money or draw cards. Building a strong engine is essential for winning Dominion.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Trash: Trashing cards can be scary, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your deck. Trash weak cards to make room for better ones.
3. Keep an Eye on the Supply: Pay attention to what cards are in the supply and what cards other players are buying. This information can help you make better decisions about what cards to buy.
4. Use Your Actions Wisely: Actions are the most powerful type of card in Dominion. Make sure to use them wisely to get the most out of your turns.
5. Don’t Overextend Yourself: It’s tempting to buy everything you can afford, but don’t overextend yourself. If you don’t have the cards to support your purchases, you’ll quickly fall behind.
| Phase | Player Actions |
|---|---|
| 1. Action Phase | Play any number of Action cards |
| 2. Buy Phase | Buy one card |
| 3. Cleanup Phase | Discard all cards in hand and draw 5 new cards |
How To Play Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game for 2-4 players. The goal of the game is to score the most victory points (VPs) by acquiring valuable cards and building your deck.
The game is played over a series of turns. On your turn, you will first draw 5 cards from your deck. You can then play up to one action card, one treasure card, and one victory card. Action cards allow you to do things like draw more cards, gain money, or attack other players. Treasure cards allow you to buy cards from the supply. Victory cards are worth points at the end of the game.
The game ends when the supply of one of the three types of cards (action, treasure, or victory) is exhausted or when three piles of provinces have been bought. The player with the most victory points wins the game.
