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Pond Patrons

Win over the pond, one gift at a time

Play the computer

Seven pond creatures, worth 2 to 5 charm. Each round you use four actions once each: keep a card secret, toss two, give a gift of three or split four into pairs, and your rival picks first from what you offer. Whoever has more of a creature’s cards wins it over. First to 11 charm or 4 creatures wins.

Not in the same room? Play online while you talk on a call, each on your own phone.

More info

How to play

  • There are seven creatures, worth 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4 and 5 charm, and each has as many cards as it is worth: 21 cards in all.
  • Each round one card is put aside unseen and you each get six. On your turn, draw a card, then use one of your four actions. Each action is used once a round, so a round is eight turns.
  • Secret: put one card face down. It counts for you when the round is counted.
  • Toss: put two cards face down out of the round.
  • Gift: show three cards. Your rival takes one for their side, and the other two go on yours.
  • Split: show two pairs. Your rival takes a pair, and the other pair goes on your side.
  • At the end of the round, each creature goes to whoever has more of its cards on their side. On a tie it stays where it was (or with nobody).
  • With 11 charm, or four creatures, you win. Otherwise deal again: the creatures stay where they are, and the other player starts. If nobody has won after six rounds, the most charm wins.

Tips

Count the cards: a creature with five cards needs only three to be won outright, and once one is out of the round (tossed or put aside) a tie gets more likely. Offer gifts and splits where every choice helps you a little, and keep your secret for a creature that is close.