Instructions Ballon Cup

Objective

Balloon Cup is a strategic card game for two players set in a fictional world of hot air balloon racing. The main objective is to win more trophies than your opponent over four contests.

Components

• 45 landscape cards in five different colors
• 60 cards with values 1-13 in five colors (12 per color)
• 20 trophy chips, valued 1-3
• 1 game board composed of four contest fields

Setup

1. Set up the game board: Place the four contest fields between the two players.
2. Distribute landscape cards: Each round is played with five randomly drawn landscape cards placed next to the contest fields.
3. Prepare trophy chips: Place the trophy chips so the values are visible.
4. Deal hand cards: Each player draws eight cards from the shuffled balloon deck.
5. Determine the starting player: Randomly choose a starting player.

Gameplay

The game consists of a series of rounds where players take turns placing cards on contest fields to win landscape cards.

Round Structure

1. Play a card: The active player chooses a card from their hand and places it on one of the four contest fields, either on their side or the opponent's side. The card must match the color of the landscape card on the field. Each side of each field can hold up to five cards.
2. Highland contests: Higher card values win the contest.

3. Lowland contests: Lower card values win the contest.

4. Consider card effects: Some cards may have special effects that are executed immediately.

5. Draw a new card: The player draws a new balloon card from the deck.
6. Evalute field: When both sides of a field have reached the maximum number of cards, evaluate the entire field. The player with the highest or lowest total (depending on the landscape type) wins the landscape card.
7. Collect trophy chips: Collected landscape cards can be exchanged for trophies once the player fulfills a specific condition. Trophies represent points in the game.

Winning Trophies

A player needs to collect a certain number of landscape cards in one or more colors to earn a trophy. The first player to meet a trophy condition takes the respective trophy chip.

Strategy Tips

1. Manage your hand: Try to manage your hand to respond to the landscape cards your opponent plays.
2. Watch your opponent: Pay attention to which cards your opponent is collecting and trying to win, and attempt to counter their strategy.
3. Prioritize trophies: Focus on specific landscape cards that help you quickly acquire needed trophies.

End of the Game

The game ends when one player wins a majority of the trophy chips. The player with the most trophies wins the game.

Enjoy the strategic head-to-head racing adventure and good luck facing the thrilling challenges of Balloon Cup!