Objective
"The Great Dalmuti" aims for players to be the first to get rid of all the cards in their hand and ascend to the role of "Great Dalmuti." The game encourages strategy and a bit of luck, while also providing the experience of hierarchical social roles.
Components
- A deck of 80 cards: Cards are numbered from 1 to 12, with each number having a different frequency (for example, there is one "1" card, two "2" cards, three "3" cards, etc., up to twelve "12" cards).
- Special Cards: Two Jester cards that act as wild cards and can represent any card role.
Setup
- Number of Players: Suitable for 4 to 8 players.
- Shuffle the Deck: Thoroughly shuffle all cards.
- Deal the Cards: Distribute equal cards to all players. If the cards don’t distribute evenly, the "Great Dalmuti" gets no extra cards or receives the remainders.
- Role Assignment: Based on how they have rid themselves of cards, players take roles of "Great Dalmuti" (having finished first), "Lesser Dalmuti," "Middle Class," down to "Greater Peon" (the last to finish).
Gameplay
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Starting the Game: The "Great Dalmuti" initiates each round by playing one or more cards of the same number.
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Taking Turns: Subsequent players must either match the number of cards played with higher or equal value cards of the same amount, or pass if they can't play or prefer not to.
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End of a Round: A round finishes when everyone but one player has passed. The last player to play begins the next round.
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End of Turn: Once a player has discarded all their cards, they are considered finished. The others continue until only one player has cards left.
Role Switch
- Card Exchange: During a role switch between rounds, the "Greater Peon" must swap their best card(s) with the "Great Dalmuti," and the "Lesser Peon" exchanges with the "Lesser Dalmuti."
Winning and Strategies
- Winning the Game: Aim to finish as the "Great Dalmuti" or make improvements towards the top role.
- Strategic Tips:
- Try playing your low-number cards early in the round to maintain flexibility with higher numbers later.
- Save the Jester cards for tricky situations as they are highly versatile.
The game offers an enjoyable experience and can be played in several rounds with evolving role changes and card strategies. Enjoy and may the "Great Dalmuti" always be on your side!
