Shplendor

Collect gems, buy development cards for bonuses and prestige, and win the favor of nobles.

24 players · about 30 minutes

How to play

Goal

Be the wealthiest merchant. Collect gem tokens, buy development cards for their permanent gem bonuses and prestige, and attract nobles. The first to reach the target prestige triggers the final round; highest prestige then wins.

Your turn (do exactly one)

  1. Take 3 different gems — one each of up to three different colors.
  2. Take 2 of one gem — only if that gem's pile still has at least 4 left.
  3. Reserve a card — take any face-up card (or the top of a deck) into your hand of reserved cards (max 3) and, if any remain, grab 1 gold (wild).
  4. Buy a card — from the board or your reserved hand, paying its cost. Your card bonuses act as permanent discounts; gold covers any shortfall.

Gold is a wildcard when buying and can substitute for any color.

Bonuses, prestige & nobles

Each card you buy gives a permanent +1 bonus in its color (a discount on future purchases) and its prestige points. When your bonuses meet a noble's requirement, that noble visits you automatically (one per turn) for extra prestige.

Limits & end

You may never hold more than 10 tokens — any excess is returned at the end of your turn. When a player reaches the target prestige, the round is completed so everyone has had the same number of turns. Highest prestige wins; ties go to the player who bought fewer cards.

Rule options

  • Target prestige

    Points needed to trigger the final round. 10 makes for a faster game; 15 is standard.

  • Nobles

    Include noble tiles that award bonus prestige when their gem-bonus requirements are met.

  • Turn timer

    Seconds allowed per turn before a safe move is auto-played. Off means untimed.

Play now

Have a room code?

Shplendor is an original game inspired by classic gem-merchant tabletop games. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any commercial board game.

Shplendor — Board Games | MushyBook