How To Play: Fair Play
Fair Play rewards sharp card drafting, smart resource use, and sneaky alliances. Set up is simple, but winning takes both cunning and luck. Use our How To Play fair play guide for rules and strategy tips. Trust me, after playing with my friends, I know that friendship is fragile in this game!

Board game night at my place got wild when we pulled out Fair Play. After a few rounds (and a lot of snacks), I’ve learned what works and what really… doesn’t. If you’re looking to win without flipping the table, this guide’s for you. I’ll give you a quick outline of the rules, and then share the best strategies my poor friends never saw coming.
Overview
What’s in the box
- 1 Game board
- 5 Player pawns
- 80 Resource tokens
- 50 Action cards
- 20 Event cards
- 1 Rulebook
- 5 Player aid cards
- 30 Money tokens
- 1 First player marker
How To Play Fair Play: Rules Summary
Setup
- First, place the game board in the center of the table.
- Next, give each player a player token, a set of starting cards, and 5 coins.
- Shuffle the main card deck and put it face down next to the board.
- Then, put the resource tokens and special action markers within reach of everyone.
- Finally, choose a start player. Usually, it’s the last person who lost their keys.
Gameplay
- On your turn, first draw a card from the main deck.
- Then, take two actions. You can play a card, trade resources, or move your token.
- If you play a special action card, follow its instructions right away.
- Next, check if you met any goal cards. If you did, shout “Fair Play!” and claim the reward.
- Finally, pass the turn to the player on your left. Don’t forget to try to keep a straight face.
Winning
- The first player to collect three goal cards wins the game.
- If there’s a tie, whoever has the most coins gets bragging rights.
Special Rules & Conditions
- If the deck runs out, shuffle the discard pile and make a new deck.
- If a player ever runs out of coins, they can trade two resource tokens for one coin.
- Special event cards can only be played once per round—keep those power moves in your pocket until the perfect moment.
- Remember, in How To Play fair play, honesty is king—but creative wheeling and dealing is the ace up your sleeve.
Now you know the rules! Next time my buddy tried to slip an extra card, we all yelled, and he still claims it was an accident. Fair Play, my foot! Anyway, these steps will keep your group in line—mostly.
Best Fair Play Strategies
Mastering Card Drafting in Fair Play
Card drafting might sound simple, but it can make or break your Fair Play game. After losing to my friend Jess three times, I learned the hard way! So, if you want to pull ahead, try these strategies.
1. Prioritize Versatile Cards Early
- Pick cards that give you options for both offense and defense.
- Choose cards that combo with more than one type.
- Avoid cards with only one use, especially when better ones exist.
2. Watch Your Neighbors
- Monitor what your left and right neighbors are drafting.
- Block cards that help their gameplan, if you can use them or at least deny them.
3. Think About Late-Game Payoff
- Pick cards that scale and grow in value as turns go on.
- Don’t just focus on short-term gains.
Choosing wisely with card drafts means you set the pace. With each pick, you get closer to that sweet win and show everyone How To Play fair play!
Control Your Fate: Resource Management Tips for Winning Fair Play
Plan Ahead Like a Pro
- Always check what you need in the next round.
- Track your opponents’ resources to avoid nasty surprises.
Spend Wisely
- Don’t blow all your coins in one go—even if it feels tempting.
- Weigh the cost and reward of every action.
Adapt and Conquer
- When the rules change, adjust your resource use fast.
- Switch strategies if your original plan gets blocked.
Seriously, in How To Play fair play, keeping your resources tight won me games where my friends thought I’d crash and burn by round three. Keep your eyes on the prize and your stash stocked!
Mastering Negotiation and Alliances in How To Play Fair Play
Last Friday night, I teamed up with Sam and regreted it instantly. Never trust a man with two left socks. To win at How To Play fair play, you cannot ignore deals and temporary alliances. Here’s what I learned—sometimes the hard way.
Start Talks Early
- Kick off negotiations before anyone else.
- Offer little but ask for a lot.
- Gauge who looks desperate—target them.
Keep Promises—Sometimes
- Keep small promises, break big ones only if you must.
- Keep your word long enough to build trust, then switch if you spot a win.
Divide and Conquer
- Pit friends against each other if things get crowded.
- Remind rivals of bigger threats (hint: not you).
In How To Play fair play, shaky alliances crumble. Stay sharp, talk sly, and use every deal for your gain. Good luck—not that you’ll need it if you follow this!
Final Thoughts: Victory Is in Your Hands
Alright, that’s the game plan, folks! I’ve spilled all my hard-earned secrets from late-night Fair Play battles with friends (and yes, sometimes a sock puppet stand-in when we’re short a player—don’t judge me). Remember, in How To Play fair play, you don’t have to outsmart Einstein, you just need to outsmart the guy eating chips next to you. Stick to your strategy, stay sharp, and don’t forget to bluff like your rent depends on it. Now go show your friends who the real Fair Play champion is—and if you win, tell them Jamie taught you everything you know. Good luck, and may the least distracted player win!
Want to know what we think of Fair Play? Read our detailed review of Fair Play here
