How To Play

First, you need a good starting deck, and you can get one from a person in Balamb Garden at the start of the game. The cards aren't that great, but they're better than nothing at all.

The way you should play the game varies on the type of rules. To play pick, the cards that have the highest numbers, this way you can win easily. The numbers are on the top right hand corner of each card. The numbers vary from 1 - A. Pick your five cards, as so will the opponent. Now a triangle dice type will roll on the board, and if the dark end points at you, you go first. If it points at the opponent, they go first. It's sometimes best to go second so that way you can make the first attack. Now their cards have numbers as well, if you have a card that has a higher number (that will touch that side of the card) place it there if you like to take their card. If the opponent as another card with a higher number than the number on the card you took, they can take it back by placing it on another side of that card. Keep placing the cards on the table, trying to take their cards, but also watch out for your own! If you place a card down that has an open 2 or a low number, they can easily take your card. Keep playing, until the board is finally filled up. Who ever has the most cards flipped on their side at that time, will win the game. Depending on the rules, also depends on how many cards you can take of theirs, or how many they can take of yours after the game.

Challenging people to a card game is easy. Approach a person in normal fashion, and press the square button. If the person is a card player, they'll most likely accept your challenge. If not, they'll converse with you normally.

If you've been given an assignment, it's best to wait to play cards on your own free time. The Garden looks down on SeeDs that goof off while on assignments. There's no such thing as too many of one card. If nothing else, use the Card Mod abilitiy to turn your extras into items and seel them for gil.

Basic Strategies

When the rules are (Same, Open, Sudden Death, and Elemental), all you need are strong cards to win. You can simply over power your opponent by playing cards that he/she simply cannot beat. However, if some of the more advanced rules (Plus, Same Wall, Random) are in effect, it's best to back off a bit and try to win the game through strategy, rather than brute force.

Always play defensively. There's no reason to take each card your opponent plays. Play a waiting game with your opponent and play ahead. Let your opponent trap his/her own cards, and then force certain moves by strategically placing your cards.

Corners typically offer the best defense, while the center spot is obviously the worst. In some cases, though, you may find it beneficial to play a card in the center at the start of the match to limit your opponent's options. This works well against tougher opponents.

Try not to spread the Random rule - it's a killer. And although Open may seem like the best rule in the game, your opponent gains as much from it as you do. Skilled opponents may gain too much from being able to see your hand.

Rules