How To Play: Aquarius

Overview

If you’ve found yourself scratching your head and wondering how to finally win Aquarius instead of letting your cousin Tommy dominate yet again, you’re in the right place. I put together this guide after many chaotic rounds with my friends. We’ll cover a quick outline of the rules, plus the best strategies for snatching victory. Get ready for wild cards, sneaky swaps, and maybe even bragging rights at your next game night.

What’s in the box

• 80 Aquarius cards
• 1 Goal card per player (2-5 total)
• 1 Reference card
• 1 Rules sheet

How To Play Aquarius: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Shuffle all the Aquarius cards well. Make sure no one peeks. Except maybe your cat, but cats are sneaky.
2. Deal one hidden Goal card to each player. Do not let anyone see your goal or you’ll hear about it for years.
3. Deal three cards to each player for their starting hand.
4. Place the rest of the deck in the center. This is the draw pile. Place one card from the deck face up in the middle to start the table.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, play one card from your hand next to the cards already on the table. The goal? Match at least one edge of your card to the same element (like fire to fire) from another card.
2. Once you’ve played, draw a card so you always have three cards.
3. Use special action cards when you get them: swap goals, trade hands, or rearrange cards. These shake up the game faster than my Uncle Tony changes TV channels.
4. Play continues clockwise. Keep an eye on your friends. Some get shady when they want to win.

Winning

1. First player to connect seven linked panels of their secret element wins. No, you can’t just claim victory early. Trust me, I tried.
2. If two players achieve it in the same round, the one who went first in that round wins. Life’s not always fair.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you run out of cards in the draw pile, shuffle the discard pile and make a new draw pile. Endless chaos!
2. Action cards can only be played when it’s your turn, not when your cousin Timmy tries to grab one mid-round.
3. Players must always have three cards in hand, unless the deck runs out and you can’t draw back up. Then you just play sad violin music and keep going.

That’s ‘How To Play Aquarius’ in a nutshell. If you want a game that’s simple to learn but melts friendships faster than ice cream in July, Aquarius is for you. Just bring your poker face—and maybe an extra snack for the sore losers.

Best Aquarius Strategies

Put That Card There! Mastering Placement in Aquarius

Start With the Ends

First, think about growing your element chains from the very ends. Often, the longer your chain, the closer you are to winning. Place cards where you can expand soon, not just now.

1. Look for where you can add more pieces next turn.
2. Don’t close off your own chain by accident!

Block Your Rivals

Then, notice any sneaky plays from your friends. If they look like they’re close to their goal, put your card to break their chain or slow them down.

1. Place a card to change their element direction.
2. Disconnect long chains, if possible.

Hold Onto Flexible Cards

Also, hold back cards that have multiple elements. Later, you can use them either to win or stop someone else in a pinch!

1. Don’t spend wild cards too early.
2. Save them for an emergency or for a big finish move.

Master Goal Flexibility and Bluffing in Aquarius

Adapt to Shifting Goals

In Aquarius, you never know when your goal will change. So, never fall in love with just one color. Stay flexible! When someone gives you a new goal, switch gears fast and stay in the race.

1. Watch other players’ moves for clues about their goals.
2. Keep your own goals secret by placing cards that don’t match your true goal.

Bluff Like a Pro

How To Play aquarius is not just about matching colors. Bluffing is a secret weapon! Sometimes, you should act excited after a useless draw, or feign disappointment when you’re actually thrilled.

1. Deliberately help rivals build their area to distract them.
2. Make sneaky trades that seem generous but help your future plan.

Read the Room

Pay attention to players’ faces and sudden mood shifts. Train yourself to spot a fake smile or a real groan. This helps you sniff out bluffs and spot the real threat.

Mastering Hand Management Timing in Aquarius

When playing Aquarius, I always say timing is everything! If you want to win, you need to know when to hold ’em and when to play your cards. Here’s how I avoid ending up with useless cards while my friends laugh at my terrible moves. Using proper hand timing makes a huge difference! Here’s how to do it:

Watch for Pattern Opportunities

1. Pay attention to the board and wait for the right moment to play a card that fits your goal.
2. If you spot someone else setting up your element, strike before they do.

Hold Key Cards for Maximum Impact

1. Don’t rush to play powerful cards, like Action cards, unless you really need them.
2. Wait until someone is close to winning to use cards that can switch goals or mix things up.

React Quickly to Changes

1. Change your tactics fast if someone plays a card that ruins your plans.
2. Swap goals if your cards don’t help you anymore. This is how to play Aquarius and stay ahead!

Victory in the Stars: Final Thoughts on Aquarius

So there you go! After many games (and too many snacks) with my friends, I’ve learned that Aquarius is wild, fast, and always surprising. If you keep your goals loose, watch what others play, and never forget to chuckle when someone swaps your cards, you’ll have a blast. Remember: don’t take it too serious. That’s how to play aquarius and stay sane! Good luck out there, star wanderer.

Want to know what we think of Aquarius? Read our detailed review of Aquarius here