CUTTLE

OBJECT OF CUTTLE: The object of Cuttle is to be the first player to acquire 21 or more points to win the game. 

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 2 players

MATERIALS: A standard 52-card deck, a way to keep score, and a flat surface.

TYPE OF GAME: Combat Card Game

AUDIENCE: Any Age

OVERVIEW OF CUTTLE

Cuttle is a combat card game for two players. The goal is to acquire 21 or more points through the course of the game. The first player to do this wins the game. 

SETUP

The dealer should be chosen at random. The dealer will shuffle the deck and deal themselves 6 cards and the other player 5 cards. The remaining cards are placed centrally. This will be a draw deck for the remainder of the game. Once both players have their hands then the game can begin.

Cards and Values

The cards in Cuttle are split into three types. There are point cards, permeant, and one-time effect cards. Below I will describe card types and point values, the way they will be played in the game will be described under Gameplay below. 

While there is no real ranking of cards the suits are ranked. Clubs is the lowest followed by Diamonds, Hearts, and finally Spades, the highest-ranked. 

Point Cards

The point cards include Aces, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, and 10s. The point values correspond to their numeric values. The aces are worth 1 point each. 

One-time Effect Cards

Aces, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, and 9s are one-time effect cards. They each have their own effects they cause when played.

Aces will scrap all the points on the table both yours and your opponents. 

2s can be used in two separate ways. They can be played to scrap any permanent card on the table or can be played to block a one-time effect card from taking place. These are the only cards that can be played on your opponent’s turn. 2s can cancel other 2s as well, resulting in the first card becoming viable again. 

3s are used to look through the scrap pile and take a single card from the pile; the 3 is then scrapped. 

4s are used to make your opponent discard. They will take two cards from their hand, reveal them, and then put them in the scrap pile. 

5s are used to draw cards. You may draw the top two cards from the draw pile. 

6s scrap all permanent on the table both yours and your opponents. 

7s can be played to draw a card that is played immediately. The top card od the draw pile is drawn and if I can be played, even if harmful to you, you must play it. If it cannot be played it is scrapped. 

9s can be used to put one permanent card from the table back into its owner’s hand. 

Permanent Cards

8s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are permanent cards. They are played onto the table and their effect lasts for as long as they remain on the table. 

8s when played to the table as a permanent will need to be played sideways to distinguish them from a point card. As long as an 8 is on the table that player’s opponent must play with their hands exposed. 

Jacks are used to take control of point cards. When you play it, you place it on top of the card you will take and place both the point card and the jack on your side of the table. If the point card is removed or scrapped so is the Jack. If a 9 is used on a jack the point is given back, or if you must play a jack and your opponent has no card you must play the jack on one of your cards giving it to your opponent. 

Queens are used to defend your cards, but they do not defend themselves. As long as a queen is in play your opponent cannot use 2s, 9s, or jack effects on you. 2s can be used on the Queen to remove them from the board though. 

Kings reduce the number of points needed to win. The more kings you own, the fewer points you need. One king reduces it to 14 or more points. Two reduces it to 10 or more. Three reduce it to 7 or more, and 4 kings reduce it to 5 or more points to win. 

GAMEPLAY

The game begins with the dealer’s opponent. On your turn, you may do one of the following. You can draw a card from the draw pile to put in your hand, or you may play a card from your hand and determine its effect. Then you turn is passed. 

If at some point the draw pile is empty a player may pass their turn. If three consecutive turns are passed, then the game ends in a draw. 

Point Cards

Point cards are played to your side of the table faceup. These add to your score. They can also be played to Scuttle the other player’s points. When scuttling you must either play a card of higher value or a card of the same value in a higher-ranked suit. Both cards are discarded to the scrap pile.

One-time Effect

These can be played to complete their effects. Once their effect is completed, they are discarded to the scrap pile. 

Permanents

Permanent cards are played onto the table and are left there. Their effects remain active until they are scrapped. 

END OF GAME

The game ends once a player reaches 21 or more points on their turn. this player has won the game. 

Nakoa Davis
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