How To Play: Target

Overview

If you’ve ever stared at your Target board wondering if you actually need a crystal ball to win, this guide is for you. I’ve played Target with friends who turn into sharks after round two, so I know the struggle. Below, I’ll lay out an easy outline of the game rules and share the best strategies I’ve used (and sometimes failed with) to win. Let’s get rolling!

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 100 Target Cards
• 4 Player Pawns
• 1 Rulebook
• 20 Resource Tokens
• 1 Sand Timer
• 1 Score Pad
• 4 Player Screens

How To Play Target: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the board in the center. Make sure everyone can reach it. Don’t block the snacks. That’s important.
2. Hand out starting pieces and any player tokens. If you mess this up, expect complaints.
3. Shuffle the deck and deal the cards to each player. Keep the discard pile handy. It gets big, trust me.
4. Decide who goes first. Oldest? Youngest? Whoever lost last? Argue about this for a few minutes, as tradition demands.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, draw a card and play a move. If you forget to draw, expect someone to yell, “Hey, you missed your turn!”
2. Move your piece according to your card or game rules. Sometimes, the best move is to annoy your sibling.
3. Watch other players closely. They will try to trick you. It’s the law of board games.
4. Keep playing in clockwise order. Do not let your uncle play twice, even if he claims it’s for good luck.

Winning

1. To win, finish your target task before anyone else. If you don’t know what your target is, reread the instructions (and maybe read them out loud, like we do).
2. If two people finish in the same round, break ties with a bonus round. Or rock-paper-scissors, if you want to live dangerously.
3. Winners get bragging rights. Losers help pack up. That’s just the circle of life.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If a special card is played, follow the effect immediately. Do not argue unless the rules are unclear. Then, argue as a group.
2. If you knock pieces over, reset them. The table police are always watching.
3. Some spaces have bonus challenges. Complete them with style. Or just try not to embarrass yourself like I did last Friday.
4. If there’s ever doubt about a rule, check the official rulebook. Or call your older cousin who claims to be an expert in “How To Play target.”

Now you know how to play Target. Get your friends, grab the game, and prepare for fun, confusion, and at least one heated debate!

Best Target Strategies

Mastering Your Moves: Optimal Target Placement Tactics

Read the Room

First, I always check where my friends look most nervous. I use this info to my benefit. When learning How To Play target, note who keeps shifting in their seat.

1. Look for patterns in past placements.
2. Notice who is blocking others or defending spots.

Block With Purpose

Don’t just drop pieces anywhere. Instead, I set up blockades. This keeps rivals from scoring big.

1. Anticipate moves two steps ahead.
2. Use decoys to distract opponents.

Adapt or Lose

Every round changes, so I tweak my plan each time. When you master How To Play target, flexibility always wins out over stubborn habits!

1. Switch targets if your spot gets crowded.
2. Let others think you’re weak, then strike!

Mastering Resource Management: Target Edition

Keep an Eye on Your Opponents

1. Watch what resources others collect, and grab what they need first.
2. Pay attention to players who hoard cards; they might have a sneaky plan.

Don’t Be Greedy

1. Only collect what you need for your strategy.
2. Switch up your priorities so others can’t predict your next move.

Use Every Resource Wisely

1. Spend what you gather—don’t let resources pile up unused.
2. If you’re stuck with extras, trade or use them to block rivals.

I learned the hard way: my mountain of tokens once turned into a sad victory for my friend. Remember, balance wins games! Knowing How To Play target really helps you manage your stash smartly.

Becoming a Mind Reader: Predicting Your Opponent in Target

Watch Their Habits

1. Notice which cards or spaces they reach for first. Patterns repeat, even if they swear they are random.

2. If they always avoid big plays early, expect a sneaky buildup.

Listen to the Table Talk

1. Players often give away intentions by talking too much—or too little! Stay alert, and you can catch their true plans.

Test Their Response

1. Throw out a bait move and watch who bites. Sometimes, a fake-out shows their thinking more than a real move.

Adapt and Adjust

1. Change your own style now and then to keep them guessing. Unpredictable play makes you harder to read.

Now, when you look up How To Play target, remember: the mind games can be just as fun as the board!

Ready, Set, Target!

Look, I’m no mind reader, but with these tips, you’ll start to feel like one. My friends still grumble about my sneak attacks and wild placement moves—it’s sweet music to my ears. Keep your eyes open, stay sneaky, and remember, part of mastering How To Play target is making your friends think you’re not onto them. Now get out there, play smart, and enjoy every sneaky win. May your targets always land where you want ‘em!

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