updated 2025-06-27 at 10:03 clarified some of the rules.

updated 2025-06-27 at 13:07 added examples of plays, see comments.

updated 2025-06-27 at 18:20 new images for the instructions because i realize i fucked them up. also put the rules up on wordpress: - will probably use that as reference for updates https://playcrowns.wordpress.com/ !

updated 2025-06-27 at 19:07 - made a BGG page! https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/448970/crowns

update 2025-06-29 at 08:20 - i uploaded a playthrough video on the website for those who prefer to learn the rules that way

I designed an easy-to-learn but tactically deep card game and have been testing it several times with my traditional cards and MTG-player friends who love it, now I'm looking for outside feedback!

The game is super light and easy to learn, less than 400 words on the rules. Despite that, it has great depth, making it feel more like a modern battle card game like MTG rather than a traditional card game like Palace - so if you like MTG or similar games, you'll probably love this one!

Here are the rules and details:

Introduction

Crowns is an area control card game for two, where sharp positioning and smart plays decide the match.

The objective of the game is to win by controlling the majority of squares on the board.

Preparation

The game requires only a standard deck of 52 cards and enough table space to place said cards in an 5x5 row.

Split the deck up by color. Each player then take their respective color, shuffle it, and place it on the table. Both players then draw 5 cards from their draw pile and keeps their cards hidden from their opponent.

Rules

Red player starts the game.

The game is played in rounds where each player places a card from their hand onto the board. On the very first round, each player must place a card in any empty square of choice in their home row - which is the row nearest them, then draw a new card finishing their round. A player must always have no less than 5 cards in hand unless the draw pile is empty. The players then take turn placing cards orthogonally adjecent to their current placed card connected to the home row, filling out the unclaimed squares across the board or placing more cards in their home row. An unconnected card may always be played in the home row to fortify their connections later.

Upon reaching the opponents claims, the opponents square can be stolen by placing a higher value card on top.

Cards need to connect back to the first row in order to advance outside the home row. If the connection is broken by the opponent, no new squares can be claimed from the broken off position.

In situations where a player cannot claim an empty square or steal an opponents square, they must place a lower card on top of one of their existing non-connected cards anywhere on the board to draw a new card. Players are always allowed to place higher cards on their existing connected cards to fortify them or to draw a new card in a situation where that may be a better play.

Once there are no more cards to play, the player with the most claimed squares on the board wins. If a player is unable to place any cards despite still having cards in their hand, they must fold.

Special Cards Mechanics

Kings Are permanent cards that can never be claimed by the opponent. A Queen can however strategically move a Kings position on the board.

Queens When being placed in connection to one of your cards, must swap position with any orthogonally adjecent square of choice, claimed and unclaimed.

Jacks Must leap over one claimed or unclaimed square from the position of one of your claimed and connected squares. Cannot be placed on top of Kings or Queens.

Aces Must be placed diagonally adjacent to one of your claimed and connected squares. Can be played on any non-face card. Aces function as a blank card, allowing any other card to be placed on top.

Board Example