Quick Start: The Basics
Court of Shadows is a social deduction card game where 2-6 players compete to be the last one standing. The core loop is simple: take actions, bluff about your roles, challenge opponents, and eliminate rivals.
A typical game takes 5-15 minutes. Here's everything you need to know to start playing.
🎯 Goal of the Game
Be the last player with at least one influence (role card) remaining. Eliminate opponents by forcing them to lose both of their cards.
Step 1: Game Setup
When the game starts, each player receives:
- •2 Role Cards: These are your "influence" — kept face-down and secret
- •2 Coins: Used to pay for certain actions
There are 5 unique roles in the game, each with different powers. You might get two of the same role, or two different ones. Only you know what you're holding.
Step 2: Taking Your Turn
On your turn, you must take exactly one action. The available actions are:
Allowance
Take 1 coin from the treasury. Cannot be blocked or challenged.
Royal Grant
Take 2 coins from the treasury. Can be blocked by the Regent.
Usurpation
Pay 7 coins to force any player to lose one influence. Cannot be blocked. (Mandatory if you have 10+ coins)
Role Actions
Claim a specific role to use its power. You can claim any role — even ones you don't have. But if challenged and caught lying, you lose influence.
Step 3: Bluffing and Claiming Roles
This is where Court of Shadows becomes an online bluffing card game. When you take a role action, you claim to have that role. You might actually have it — or you might be lying.
Example: You hold the Diplomat and Corsair. You claim "I am the Blade — I will assassinate Player 2." This is a bluff! You don't have the Blade. But if no one challenges you, the assassination succeeds anyway.
Bluffing is the heart of the game. Master it, and you'll have access to any power you want. Get caught, and you'll pay the price.
Step 4: Challenges
When any player claims a role, any other player can challengethem. A challenge forces the claimant to prove they have the role:
- •If truthful: The challenger loses one influence. The claimant shuffles their revealed card back and draws a new one.
- •If bluffing: The claimant loses one influence. The action fails.
Challenges are risky for both sides. Challenge correctly and you expose a liar. Challenge incorrectly and you've just weakened yourself.
Step 5: Blocks
Some actions can be blocked by specific roles:
- •The Regent can block Royal Grant
- •The Widow can block assassination attempts
- •The Diplomat can block stealing
- •The Corsair can block stealing
Blocks can also be challenged! If you block with a role you don't have, you're bluffing — and can be caught.
Step 6: Losing Influence
You lose influence (flip a card face-up) when:
- •You're caught bluffing in a challenge
- •You challenge someone who was telling the truth
- •Someone successfully assassinates you
- •Someone usurps you
When you lose both influence cards, you're exiled from the game. The last player standing wins!
Beginner Tips
Don't Over-Bluff
Beginners often bluff too much. Sometimes the best play is to use your actual roles. Save bluffs for high-value moments.
Watch the Money
A player with 7+ coins can usurp at any time. Don't let someone accumulate wealth unchallenged.
Track Claims
Remember what roles people have claimed. Contradictions reveal liars.
Challenge Wisely
Early challenges are risky — you have little information. Late-game challenges are easier when cards have been revealed.
For detailed information on each role's abilities, check out our roles and cards guide. For the complete rulebook, see the official rules.
Ready to Play?
You know the basics. Now it's time to put your skills to the test. Jump into a game and start your path to the throne.
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