Saboteur Game: Rules, Tips And How To Play

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Looking for a fun and thrilling game to play with friends? Meet Saboteur. It’s a simple yet exciting hidden role card game. Perfect for 3 to 10 players.

Here’s how it works:

• Players are split into two teams—miners and saboteurs.
• Miners dig their way to gold.
• Saboteurs? They stop them.
• The goal? Outsmart the other team.

Think of it as a mix of strategy, bluffing, and teamwork. A recipe for chaos and laughs.

How to Set Up Saboteur

Ready to dive in? Setting up is easy. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Assign Roles

The role cards decide if you’re a miner or a saboteur. Here’s how to divide them:

• 3 players: 3 miners, 1 saboteur
• 4 players: 4 miners, 1 saboteur
• 5 players: 4 miners, 2 saboteurs
• 6 players: 5 miners, 2 saboteurs
• 7 players: 5 miners, 3 saboteurs
• 8 players: 6 miners, 3 saboteurs
• 9 players: 7 miners, 3 saboteurs
• 10 players: 7 miners, 4 saboteurs

Shuffle the cards and deal one to each player. Don’t reveal your role. The leftover card? Place it face down. It’s out of the game.

Step 2: Set Up the Table

• Put the start card (the ladder) in the center.
• Shuffle the 3 goal cards (only one has gold). Place them face down in a line far from the start. The gold’s location? A mystery!
• Shuffle the path and action cards together. This becomes the draw pile.

Step 3: Deal Cards to Players

How many cards each player gets depends on the group size:

• 3 to 5 players: 6 cards each
• 6 to 7 players: 5 cards each
• 8 to 10 players: 4 cards each

Place the remaining cards in a draw pile. That’s it—setup complete!

Types of Cards in Saboteur

There are two main card types:

• Path Cards

1. • These build (or block) the path to the goal.
   • Cards must connect properly. Horizontal placement only.
2. Action Cards
   These are where the fun begins. They can help, sabotage, or reveal secrets:
   • Broken Tool Cards: Stop players from placing path cards.
   • Fix Tool Cards: Repair tools so players can dig again.
   • Rockfall Cards: Remove a path card from play.
   • Map Cards: Secretly check one goal card. Bluff or spill the truth? Up to you.

How to Play Saboteur

Here’s the gameplay in a nutshell:

• Start the Game

1. • The youngest player begins.
   • On your turn, do ONE of these:
     • Play a path card to build or block the route.
     • Use an action card to help or sabotage.
     • Discard a card face down.
   • Draw a card after your turn.
2. Continue Taking Turns
   Players take turns clockwise. Work together—or against each other—until the round ends.

When Does a Round End?

There are two ways a round can end:

• The Path Reaches a Goal Card

1. 1. • If it’s the gold card, the miners win.
      • If it’s empty, keep playing.

• The Draw Pile Runs Out

1. • If no one can play a card, the saboteurs win.

Scoring in Saboteur

Here’s how points are awarded:

• If Miners Win:
  • The player who reached the gold picks gold cards equal to the number of miners.
  • They keep one and pass the rest clockwise.
• If Saboteurs Win:
  • Gold is split:
    • 1 saboteur: 4 gold
    • 2-3 saboteurs: 3 gold each
    • 4 saboteurs: 2 gold each

Gold totals stay secret until the game ends.

Winning Saboteur

After three rounds, the player with the most gold wins. Simple as that.

Pro Tips to Outsmart Your Opponents

Want to dominate Saboteur? Use these tips:

• Bluff Smart: If you’re a saboteur, act like a miner. Help… but not too much.
• Communicate Carefully: Miners, talk strategy. But don’t give too much away. Saboteurs are listening.
• Use Maps Wisely: Know where the gold is? You’ve got the upper hand.

Saboteur is a game of twists, deception, and clever moves. Whether you’re digging for gold or plotting sabotage, every round is packed with surprises. Gather your friends, deal the cards, and let the chaos begin.

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