Rulers is 4-6 player card game using a standard 54-card (French-suited) deck, including a black and red joker. Typical play is done in teams (2v2, 3v3, 2v2v2), or in a star formation in the event of 5 players (see “How to Win”). Free-for-alls, or teams of 1, are possible but may result in quick or chaotic games. Player order around the table must alternate teams evenly.

Zones
There are four zones:
>The Deck, private (no owner) and shared by all players
>The Grave, public and shared by all players
>The Hand, private and exclusive to each player
>The Field, public and exclusive to each player (maximum 5 cards)

Private zones may only be seen by their owner, and public zones are visible to all players.

Ruler
At the beginning of the game, each player is randomly given a ruler, sitting separate from the four zones listed below. Possible rulers include Kings, Queens, Jacks, Aces and Jokers. As noted below, rulers are used to move a card from one zone another. Where the card comes from is determined by the rulers suit, and where it goes to is determined by the ruler’s face.

♣/K — Any Field
♥/Q — Any Hand
♠/J — The Grave
♦/A — The Deck
Joker — Swap rulers with another ruler of the same color. Jokers have no suit.

Selections from private zones must be random (unless you’re the owner), but selections from public zones may be targeted.

Taking a Turn
Turn order starts left of the dealer and moves clockwise around the table. On your turn, draw a card from the deck, and take one of the actions below.

>Play any number of cards from your Hand to your Field
>Kill any number of cards on your Field to the Grave
>Switch your ruler with an eligible card on your Field
>Move a card with your ruler

At the end of your turn, if you have more than 3 cards in hand, you must discard cards to the Grave until you have 3. If at any time you cannot draw a card, shuffle the Grave and add it to the empty Deck.

How to Win
4/6 Players, Teams: If at any time a player has 5 cards on their Field whose suit match their ruler, that player’s team wins.
5 Players, Star: If a player or either of the two players across from them have 5 cards on their Field whose suit match their ruler, that player wins.