How Many Cards Can You Have in Smash Up?

The maximum number of cards you can have in your hand at any time in Smash Up is 10. This is a fundamental rule of the game, and any time you would exceed this limit, you must discard down to 10 cards. Understanding this hand limit is crucial for strategic play and effective deck management.

Understanding Hand Limits in Smash Up

The core mechanic of drawing cards in Smash Up is straightforward: you usually draw cards at the start of your turn or via card effects. However, the hand limit ensures that no player can accumulate an overwhelming number of resources in their hand. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you exceed the hand limit:

• Drawing More Than 10: If an effect or a draw at the start of your turn causes you to have more than 10 cards, you must immediately discard cards of your choice until you are back down to 10.
• Strategic Discards: Carefully selecting which cards to discard is a significant aspect of the game. This forces players to evaluate their situation and keep only the most beneficial cards for the current game state.
• Impact on Card Effects: Several card abilities in Smash Up involve returning minions to your hand or forcing opponents to return minions to their hands. These can increase hand size, so players must always be mindful of this 10-card limit.

The hand limit not only balances the game but also adds a layer of decision-making, ensuring no single player can hoard an advantage by just holding onto every card they draw.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many cards are in a Smash Up deck?

Each player constructs their deck by shuffling together two different 20-card factions, resulting in a 40-card deck. This unique “shufflebuilding” mechanic is a core element of what makes Smash Up stand out among card games, offering thousands of unique deck combinations.

2. What happens when you run out of cards in Smash Up?

If you need to draw, reveal, search for, or look at a card, and your deck is empty, you simply shuffle your discard pile and place it face down to create your new deck. This prevents players from being eliminated due to running out of cards and keeps the game flowing.

3. How many cards are in a single Smash Up faction deck?

Each individual faction in Smash Up consists of a 20-card deck. Players combine two of these factions to make their 40-card deck for gameplay.

4. What is a Titan in Smash Up?

Titans are a special type of card, distinct from minions, actions, and bases. Each faction in the Big in Japan expansion has a Titan, which is printed on the back of the plastic Faction divider card. Titans have unique abilities and powerful effects, adding another layer of strategic complexity to the game. Titans do not count as minions.

5. Who goes first in Smash Up?

The player who most recently watched a show made in the 1970s goes first in Smash Up. After the first turn, play continues in a clockwise direction. Players draw five cards at the start of the game and may discard and draw a new hand if they have no minions.

6. How do you win a game of Smash Up?

You win Smash Up by scoring 15 Victory Points (VP). Points are awarded by being in first, second or third place when a base is scored. The first place player receives the highest number of victory points listed on the base card, while the runner up and third place receive lower amounts of points.

7. How many cards are in a standard deck of playing cards?

A standard deck of playing cards contains 52 cards in each of the four suits (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs). Each suit contains 13 cards: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King. Modern decks also often include two Jokers. However, these cards are not used in Smash Up.

8. What are duels in Smash Up?

Duels in Smash Up are initiated by card abilities using the “duel” keyword. When a duel occurs, two minions face off, and the minion with the higher power wins the duel for its controller. Each controller can also play one action card to potentially alter the duel outcome.

9. What are SmashUps?

SmashUps are personalized digital greetings that use video and animation, often including the recipient’s name. These are not related to the game Smash Up, but it can be a source of confusion.

10. How many players can play Smash Up?

Smash Up is designed for 2–4 players, with the goal of dominating bases using your combined faction deck. It is playable as a two player game.

11. What is the tie breaker rule when bases score in Smash Up?

If players are tied on a base at the time of scoring, all involved players get points for the best position they tied for. For example, if three players have 10, 10, and 5 power on a base when it scores, the two with 10 power each receive first-place points, and the player with 5 power receives third-place points.

12. Are all stages legal in the Super Smash Bros. series?

No. The FAQ provided lists several stages, such as Big Blue, Brinstar, Corneria, and many others, that are now banned from competitive play. These are irrelevant to Smash Up, but were included in the data provided.

13. What comes in the Smash Up Bigger Geekier Box?

The Bigger Geekier Box is a storage solution for Smash Up, featuring four large rows for card storage, foam bricks for stability, a closable token holder, and the Smash Up Comprehensive Rulebook. It’s designed to keep your collection organized and protected.

14. Can you play with two Titans in play in Smash Up?

No, you cannot play with two titans at a time. Each player can control a maximum of one Titan. If an ability allows you to play a titan when you already have one in play, the new titan cannot be played.

15. Is Smash Up a deck-building game?

While Smash Up involves deck creation, it’s more accurately described as a “shufflebuilding” game. Players do not add cards during the game itself. Instead, players create their starting deck by combining two different pre-constructed 20-card factions at the start of the game.

Conclusion

Understanding the 10-card hand limit is crucial for playing Smash Up effectively. Players must constantly evaluate which cards to keep and discard, making every draw and discard decision strategic. This rule, combined with the dynamic “shufflebuilding” mechanic, creates a game that is both engaging and requires careful planning. The additional FAQs provide valuable insights that make sure players understand the core rules of this uniquely flexible card game. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, keeping these rules and strategies in mind will help you conquer your opponents and dominate bases on the battlefield.