Build or Burn – Card Game

OBJECTIVE OF THE GAME

“Build” up your tower before your opponents “Burn” it to the ground. Try alternating between these two mechanics in order to come out on top in this competitive card game.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO PLAY

“Build or Burn” is played with a 52 deck of cards, excluding the Jokers. The suits will not matter in this game. Also, you will need at least 2 players, but 4 players are recommended.

RANK OF CARDS (High to Low)

K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A (No Jokers)

SETTING UP THE GAME

Deal each player 5 cards, then puts the remaining cards in the center of the table. These remaining cards will become the pickup pile. Next everyone must look at their cards, then arrange them vertically in descending order. (Lowest card on top, highest on bottom.) Leave the cards faced up so everyone can see your tower.

HOW TO PLAY

The player to the left of the dealer goes first, so they must draw a card from the pile.

BUILDING

The player can use this card as a “Build” card. Place your “Build” card on the left of any floor you want to upgrade. (Higher ranked cards will give more foundation.)

BURNING

The player can use this card as a “Burn” card. Place your “Burn” card on the right of any floor you want to destroy. (Higher ranked cards will increase the flames.)

END OF TURN PHASE

After that player has decided to “Build” or “Burn“, it will be the next player’s turn on their left. When everyone has picked a card and decided whether they wanted to “Build” or “Burn“, the round will end, and a fire will start for those who chose to burn an opponent’s tower. The card’s ranking will determine if a floor is destroyed or not each turn. The disposed cards will be recycled into a new pickup pile when the original deck is gone.

WINNING AND SCORING

The last tower standing is the winner, but there are no points rewarded in this game.

FULL RULE SHEET BELOW

BUILD OR BURN – VIDEO GUIDE