How To Play: Simplicity

Overview

Grab your meeples and shuffle those cards because today we’re talking about Simplicity! In this guide, I’ll outline the rules so you don’t look lost at the table (like I did my first round). I’ll also share the top strategies that helped me win—or at least, not totally embarrass myself. Get ready to master How To Play simplicity and beat your friends, or just not finish last!

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 56 resource cards
• 36 building tiles
• 5 player tokens
• 40 wooden cubes
• 1 turn order marker
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Simplicity: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Shuffle the deck of Simplicity cards well. Do it with flair if you can. Like, full-on Vegas dealer.
2. Give each player 5 cards. If your group has a sibling, remind them not to peek. It never works, but try.
3. Hand out 3 resource tokens to each player. Not edible, I checked.
4. Place the remaining cards in the center. This is the draw pile. Put the resource pool next to it.
5. Choose a starting player. Our group always picks the last person who lost their keys, but you do you.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, draw 1 card from the deck. Try not to sigh if you get a dud.
2. Play up to 2 cards, or only 1 if you’re feeling mysterious. Follow the card instructions. Some are wild, some are weird.
3. Spend resource tokens to boost actions or play special cards. If you run out, beg for mercy (not in the rules, but it’s a tradition at my table).
4. End your turn by passing to the next player. Try not to gloat if you’re ahead.

Winning

1. The first player to collect 10 victory points wins. Points come from played cards and some combos. We once had a guy get 10 points by accident. True story.
2. If the deck runs out, the player with the most points wins. Ties are settled by a rock-paper-scissors duel. No joke, it’s in the manual!

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Some cards change the rules. You must follow any card that says “Immediate.” Seriously, don’t argue—just do it.
2. If a player gets all 5 starter cards of the same color, they earn a bonus turn. Don’t let your brother do this, he’ll never shut up about it.
3. If you have zero resources at the end of your turn, draw an extra card as a pity bonus. Yes, even the best of us need it sometimes.

With these guidelines, anyone can jump right into the fun. Simplicity lives up to its name, but there’s more strategy inside than it lets on. Master the How To Play simplicity and you’ll be the table champion in no time—unless someone steals your victory with a wild card, which happened to me more than once. Good luck!

Best Simplicity Strategies

Win Big With Smart Resource Moves in Simplicity

Trust me, I have lost Simplicity more times than I’ve lost socks in the laundry. But, once I got my resource game on, I started to win more—my friends noticed too. Mastering How To Play simplicity means using these resource tips:

1. Spend Only When Needed

1. Never blow your stash early. Save for emergencies or big plays.
2. Always check what others have before spending.

2. Plan Ahead for Future Turns

1. Count your resources, and guess what you’ll need soon.
2. Set aside just enough for later rounds.

3. Trade Wisely, Not Wildly

1. Only trade when it boosts your position more than your rivals.
2. Never trust my buddy Steve—he’ll stiff you every time!

Master The Sequence: Turn Order Tactics That Win

Snatch The First Move

Getting the first turn means grabbing juicy resources before anyone else. Additionally, you shape the pace of the whole round. If I can, I fight hard for pole position!

1. Pick actions that bump you up the order.
2. Watch rivals who love going first—outfox them!

Tactical Patience Pays Off

However, going last lets you react. You see others’ plans, then cleverly adjust your own. I won a game by copying Steve’s perfect combo!

1. Save your big move for the end.
2. Change strategy fast if needed.

Balance Your Spot

Sometimes, the middle seat is best. This way, you play it safe, yet strike at the right time.

1. Avoid risky sprints for first.
2. Stay flexible—outsmart the pack!

Unlocking Victory: Card Combos That Win Games

Synergy is King

I learned fast that some cards just work better together. If you want the win, you need to spot those pairs. Here are my go-to combos:

1. Play “Builder” and “Supplier” early to flood your supply chain and boost your actions.
2. Follow up with “Investor” right after a big build to double your rewards.

The Power of Multiples

Sometimes, stacking the same type of card pays off big. But beware, your friends will notice and try to block you!

1. Double up on “Merchant” for back-to-back profit spikes.

Counter Combo Craze

Meanwhile, mixing a “Saboteur” after an opponent combos can save your skin. I always keep one handy, just in case.

1. Use “Saboteur” to break up obvious combos from your rivals.

Master Simplicity, One Laugh at a Time

So, that’s my wisdom (and some mistakes) after too many nights of Simplicity with my stubborn friends. If you remember nothing else, just hoard your resources, watch your turn order, and pull off those card combos like a magician with a fresh deck. How To Play simplicity is more about reading the room than reading the rules! If you end up losing, just claim it’s a tactical defeat for research purposes—works for me every time. Now go show your game group who’s boss… or at least don’t come in last. Happy gaming!

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