pyrotechnics
Meet Pyrotechnics, the two‑player card duel that fits in your pocket and delivers ten minute bursts of lightly strategic gameplay. With just eighteen cards and thirty‑six spark tokens, it’s the perfect travel game or quick filler between activities—yet beneath its compact size lies surprising depth.
LB_NUMBER_OF_PLAYERS: 2
Game duration: 10 mn
Complexity: 2 / 5
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Play pyrotechnics and 1200 other games online.
No download, directly from your web browser.
With your friends and thousands of players from the whole world.
Free.
Rules summary
Quick Links
🔗 Official Pyrotechnics Rules and Reference PDF
Overview
You are a pair of rival pyrotechnic engineers. Research metal salts, burn rates, and safety protocols to craft vibrant colors. Discover new shapes, layered bursts, or quiet eco-friendly blends. Showcase 5 innovative fireworks as fast as you can!
Setup
- Place the spark tokens within reach of both players. This is the supply. Place the Reference Guide nearby.
- Shuffle the deck. Return 3 cards to the box without looking at them. They are out of play.
- Deal a hand of 5 cards face down to each player. Keep your cards hidden from your opponent.
- Place the remaining 5 cards face up in the center of play. This is the market.
- Choose a player to go first. The other player collects any 1 primary spark (see Reference Guide).
Goal
Be the first player to empty your hand of 5 cards.
How to Play
Starting with the first player and alternating turns, select a card from your hand to perform its Research action. Then, select a card from the market to perform its Discover or Showcase action.
On Your Turn
First
- Research: Choose a card from your hand and place it face up in front of you. You may perform the action or actions in the upper-left corner of the card in any order.
Then
- Select a card from the market and perform 1 of the 2 bottom sections of that card.
- Discover: You may perform the action or actions in the lower-left corner of the card in any order. Add that card to your hand.
- — or —
- Showcase: Pay the cost in the lower-right corner of the card. Then, set that card aside. It is no longer in play. Each time you Showcase, your hand will be one card smaller.
Finally
- Fill the new space in the market with the card you used for Research.
Ending the Game
After you Showcase your 5th card, your hand will be empty. The game ends immediately and you win!
Miscellaneous Rules
- Research and Discover actions always collect, steal, and/or exchange sparks. Showcase actions always pay sparks to the supply and/or give sparks to an opponent.
- Research and Discover actions are optional; you may perform all, some, or none. You must pay all Showcase costs.
- The spark supply is limited. You may take actions only to the extent that the supply allows.
- All sparks are public information. Players may not hide sparks from their opponents.