How To Play: Target

You know that feeling when you’re halfway through Target and suddenly realise you have no clue what you’re doing? Yeah, been there, done that, lost badly. That’s why I put together this handy guide for you. We’ll cover an outline of the game rules (no snooze-fest, promise) and the best strategies I’ve actually used to win.

Overview

What’s in the box

• 1 Game board
• 4 Player tokens
• 50 Resource cards
• 12 Objective cards
• 20 Gold coins
• 1 Rulebook
• 2 Six-sided dice
• 1 Score pad

How To Play Target: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the board on the table and hand out one player piece to each person playing.
2. Shuffle the deck of Target cards well—like, don’t let Dave do it, trust me.
3. Everyone draws five cards from the pile. Don’t be that guy who peeks at everyone else’s hand.
4. Select someone to go first. Best method: whoever last hit the actual bullseye in darts gets the honor.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, draw one card from the deck. Then, you can play up to two cards from your hand.
2. When playing a card, follow its instructions. Sometimes you’ll mess with others, sometimes you’ll score points.
3. If you don’t like your cards, you can discard one and draw again, but only once a turn. Think wisely!
4. Play continues clockwise. If you forget, expect to get roasted by the group.

Winning

1. The first player to reach 20 points wins Target and gains bragging rights for, like, a solid week.
2. If two players tie, the one with the most cards left in hand takes the win. Yes, hoarding can pay off!

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you draw a “Wild Shot” card, you MUST play it immediately. No stashing those bad boys!
2. If the deck runs out, reshuffle the discard pile—unless your dog ate half the cards, which happened to me once.
3. Any disputes should be settled with a thumb war or a rematch. The rulebook is oddly silent, so house rules to the rescue!

And that’s your quick and easy How To Play target guide! Honestly, once you play a round, you’ll pick it up faster than my grandma cheating at Uno. Good luck and may the best bullseye-wannabe win!

Best Target Strategies

Resource Management: The Secret Sauce for Winning Target

Why Resource Management Matters

Every time I play Target, someone runs out of goods way too early. Smart resource management makes the difference between winning and becoming a sad story. It even impacts how you use the “How To Play target” guide. Instead of hoarding, stay sharp with these tips.

Prioritize Essential Resources

1. Always claim what you need first—don’t grab shiny extras.
2. Keep an eye on your opponents’ targets, so you can block them when it matters.

Balance Spending and Saving

1. Don’t blow all your resources early, like I did last Friday. Save some for late-game turns.
2. Trade when it helps you reach your goals faster.

Adapt to the Game Flow

1. Change plans if you see the competition acting desperate or sneaky.
2. Remember: Flexibility in resource use can save your game.

Negotiation Tactics to Outsmart Your Friends in Target

Master the Art of the Offer

Everyone loves a good deal. After many games of Target, I discovered you can steer the table with a little sweet talk and sharp value spots.

1. Show the upside to others, but keep a bigger upside for yourself.
2. Offer just enough to make your deal tempting, but never too much.

Alliances—Short-Term and Sneaky

Alliances look pretty, but watch out: they crumble faster than a stale cookie! But for a round or two, they’re golden.

1. Pick a partner nobody expects.
2. Break the alliance before it breaks you.

Reading the Room

Use your eyes! Spot who looks vulnerable, and who’s itching for payback. Then, turn their mood into your next move.

1. Pause and check expressions before you speak.
2. Target the restless ones, they’ll deal fast and loose.

Trust me, after late-night sessions using “How To Play target” guides, I’ve learned nothing beats good old-fashioned talking… except maybe pizza.

Seize Victory With Sharp Endgame Moves!

When the game gets close to finishing, you need to focus. I messed up last time, picked the wrong move, and watched my win slip away. Don’t repeat my pain. Here’s what works for endgame planning using How To Play target tips:

Track Your Opponents

1. Watch for sneaky plays—someone might try a last-minute steal.
2. Predict their next actions based on what they grab each turn.

Count Points Early

1. Add up your points with every move.
2. Keep options open for high-point plays near the end.

Save a Surprise

1. Keep a backup plan in case someone blocks your main path.
2. Use surprise moves to turn the tables and win.

Final Thoughts: Become the Target Master!

Alright, that’s all the wisdom my group managed to squeeze out between snacks and good-spirited yelling. With these tips (and a few clever moves of your own), you’ll soon know exactly How To Play target without worrying about turning into your grandma’s punchline.

Remember, planning ahead and reading your friends’ poker faces is more useful than reading any actual book about strategy (no offense, strategy book authors). So grab your game, call your best trash-talkers, and show them you’re the true Target champ—just don’t blame me when you lose to Aunt Carol for the third time in a row!

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