Objective

The Pillars of the Earth – Duel of the Builders is a two-player card game where players act as competing builders in medieval England. The goal is to become the richest builder by acquiring valuable building cards and successfully constructing a cathedral.

Game Setup

Each player receives a set of builder cards with values ranging from 1 to 10. Additionally, there is a draw pile of building cards in the center of the play area.

At the start, eight building cards are laid out face-up.

Game Play

The game proceeds over several rounds, which are divided into the following phases:

1. Choose Builder Cards: Both players choose one of their builder cards to use this round. This card is placed face down in front of the player.

2. Simultaneous Reveal: Both players simultaneously reveal their builder cards.

3. Bid for a Building Card: The player with the higher valued builder card may choose one of the face-up building cards first. The selected card is placed in front of the player, and the played builder card is discarded.

   • In the case of a tie, a tiebreaker determines who chooses first. This is decided by a predetermined player order.

4. New Building Cards: Players refill the shared draw pile to eight building cards by drawing and laying out new cards face-up.

5. Execute Special Abilities: Some building cards offer or require special actions that can be executed immediately. These actions include changing player order for the next round, gaining extra resources, or advantages for future rounds.

6. End of Round: The round ends after all elements have been resolved and new building cards are laid out.

End of Game

The game ends either when a set number of building cards have been used or when a player can no longer effectively use their builder cards. Players then count the points indicated on the building cards.

• Winning Conditions: The player with the highest total score from the acquired building cards and any bonus points from their special abilities wins the game.

Strategic Tips

• Timing of Builder Cards: Carefully decide when to use which builder card. The goal is to win the most valuable buildings without running out of high cards at crucial moments.
• Resource Management: Some building cards offer resources or perks that can be crucial later in the game. Plan strategically when to activate these advantages.

Players who can skillfully manage their cards and anticipate their opponent's actions will be most successful in "The Pillars of the Earth – Duel of the Builders."