How To Play: *Star

If you ever lost a game of *Star and blamed your cat for messing with your pieces, you’re in the right place. This guide gives you the basics, from rules explained clear-as-day, to sneaky strategies that helped me finally win against my loudest friend. No more excuses! Get ready to outplay everyone at your table.

Overview

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 5 Player Mats
• 100 Resource Tokens
• 60 Star Cards
• 30 Ship Miniatures
• 5 Score Trackers
• 1 Rulebook
• 10 Dice
• 15 Mission Tokens
• 5 Reference Cards

How To Play *Star: Rules Summary

Set up Your Adventure

1. Unfold the *Star board and place it in the center of the table.

2. Each player picks a color and grabs their matching pieces and tokens.

3. Shuffle the resource cards and deal two to each player.

4. Put the dice, star tokens, and score tracker within easy reach.

5. Choose the oldest player to start, unless your group has a grudge system.

Gameplay: Get Moving!

1. On your turn, roll the dice and move your main piece forward that many spaces.

2. When you land, follow the instructions of that space—sometimes you find treasure, sometimes it’s a nap zone.

3. You can use resource cards anytime on your turn for some sneaky fun.

4. Collect star tokens by completing mini-challenges or trading resources with friends.

5. Play continues clockwise. Don’t worry, nobody likes a show-off who plays counterclockwise.

How To Win (And Rub It In)

1. The game ends when a player collects 5 star tokens or when everyone runs out of resource cards.

2. Count your star tokens. The most tokens wins! If there’s a tie, the player with the closest guess of how many snacks are still left on the table wins.

3. Winner gets bragging rights and maybe last slice of pizza.

Special Rules & Wild Conditions

1. If you roll double sixes, take an extra turn—but only if you can sing the *Star theme song.

2. Trade resource cards only once per round, and only after giving your best negotiation face.

3. If you land on a nap zone twice in a row, you must play your next turn with your eyes closed. (Yes, we tested this—hilarious results.)

There you go, all the basic rules you need to get started! For more details, check out my full How To Play *star guide before you try to teach your friends. Trust me, it’ll make you look like a pro.

Best *Star Strategies

Unlocking Victory: The Secret Sauce to Winning *Star from the Very Start

Prepare for Glory

When setting up *Star, I always check the board setup—never trust my buddy Mark to get it right! Place your pieces with purpose, not just anywhere. Your first moves set the tone.

Opening Power Plays

1. Snag valuable resource spaces before your friends do. They love to cry about it later!
2. Block opponents’ key routes early. It’s sneaky, but hey, all’s fair in board games.
3. Develop your home base. Grab those How To Play *star tips and stick to the basics first.

Scout the Opposition

Look at other players’ faces (especially my friend Susan—she’s got a tell). Plan around their likely moves. It’s like poker, but nerdier.

Master Your Resources in *Star: Tips for Victory

Count Every Token

First, always keep track of your tokens. If you lose count, you’ll regret it when your friend snaps up a bonus zone!

1. Always count out loud so everybody stays honest.
2. Stack your tokens in fives to keep it simple.

Trade Smart

Never trade just to be nice. Make sure you get the better end—even if your friend gives you the puppy eyes.

1. Offer trades only when you’re ahead.
2. Say no if the deal is even a little fishy.

Keep an Eye on the Bank

Meanwhile, watch the tokens in the bank. If the supply is running low, plan your moves before your rivals block you out.

1. Try to grab big stacks before others notice.
2. Check the bank every round, especially after someone scores big.

Follow these Resource Management Tips and you’ll feel like the king (or queen) of *Star. For more, check my “How To Play *star” guide!

Mastering the *Star Endgame: How To Play *star to Win

Seize the Final Objectives

1. Check which objectives remain. Timing is key, so swoop in before anyone else can catch up.
2. Block opponents from reaching their goals. I once snatched victory by denying my friend her last card; she didn’t talk to me for a week!

Count Every Point

1. Add your points early and often, so you’re never surprised at the end. After all, I hate a last-minute shock more than cold pizza.
2. Don’t forget the secret bonuses. Missing one once cost me a game, and my pride.

Force Mistakes

1. Lay traps. I love goading my friends into making silly moves when the pressure mounts.
2. Bluff whenever you can—fake confidence can win big in the last round.

For more tips, check my “How To Play *star” guide!

Ready to Become a *Star Legend?

Well, that’s all the secret sauce I’ve got, folks! If you follow these tips, you’ll have your friends muttering, “How did you do THAT?” after every game. Remember, luck loves the bold in *Star, but strategy loves the ones who read guides (hint: that’s you now). Don’t forget to revisit the How To Play *star guide for a quick refresher. Whether you win, lose, or send your meeples flying in frustration, just have fun playing. And if you somehow beat me at my own game…well, I’ll demand a rematch. See you at the table!

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