Sequence Rules

Game Overview

Sequence is a popular strategy game designed for 2-12 players, originally published by Coleco in 1970 and later reprinted by Hasbro. The game is based on the objective of creating sequences of five identical chips on the game board. The game can be found on Amazon for purchase.

Objective

The objective of the game is to be the first player or team to create two sequences for a two-player or two-team game, or one sequence for a three-player or three-team game.

Setup

1. Place the game board on a flat surface with enough room around it for the cards, chips, and discards for each player.
2. For two players or two teams, players should be evenly divided into two teams and alternate their physical positions with opponents around the playing surface. For three players or three teams, team players should divide evenly into three teams and alternate their physical positions every third player around the playing surface.
3. Shuffle the cards and deal out the same number of cards to each player as per the table below:
   • For 2 players: 7 cards each
   • For 3 players: 6 cards each
   • For 4 players: 6 cards each
   • For 6 players: 5 cards each
   • For 8 players: 4 cards each
   • For 9 players: 4 cards each
   • For 10 players: 3 cards each
   • For 12 players: 3 cards each
4. Ensure all members of a team use the same color marker chips.

How to Play

1. Players take turns playing cards from their hand and placing marker chips on the matching cards on the game board.
2. Players start their own discard pile in front of them visible to all other players.
3. Each card is pictured twice on the game board. Jacks do not appear on the game board. A player can play on either one of the card spaces as long as it is not already covered by a marker chip.
4. Once a marker chip has been played, it cannot be removed by an opponent except when using a one-eyed Jack. One-eyed Jacks can be used to remove one marker chip from the game board belonging to an opponent.
5. If a player holds a card in their hand which does not have an open space on the game board because both spaces representing that card are covered by a marker chip, they are holding a dead card and may turn it in for a new card.
6. Players must take a card from the draw deck after placing their marker chip on the game board, unless they have a dead card to turn in.
7. There must be no table talk or coaching team members during the game. If a teammate says anything that alerts a fellow teammate to the fact that they are about to do something that they shouldn't, every member of that team must forfeit one card of their choice from their hand and place it on their discard pile.

Scoring and End of Game

Play continues in a clockwise direction until one player or team scores the required number of sequences, at which point that player or team wins the game. If you are playing the game which requires two sequences to win, you may use any one of the spaces from your first sequence as part of your second.

Common Variants

There are several variants of the game, including Sequence Dice and Sequence for Kids, which are also available on Amazon.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to alternate team members' physical positions around the playing surface.
2. Failing to take a card after placing a marker chip on the game board, which can result in losing the right to take a card for the rest of the game.
3. Talking to teammates during the game, which can result in penalties for all team members.

FAQ

1. Can I use both eyes on a Jack card at the same time?

   • No, Jack cards can either be two-eyed (wild) or one-eyed (anti-wild), but not both at the same time.

2. Can I play a card that doesn't have an open space on the game board?

   • No, if both spaces representing a card are covered by a marker chip, the card is considered dead and can be turned in for a new card.

3. Can I play a card on a space that is already covered by one of my own marker chips?

   • No, once a marker chip has been played, it cannot be removed by an opponent except when using a one-eyed Jack.

4. Can I use a one-eyed Jack to remove a marker chip that is part of a completed sequence?

   • No, once a sequence is achieved, it cannot be broken.

5. Can I play a card on a space that is already covered by a marker chip belonging to an opponent?

   • No, each player can only play on open spaces on the game board. One-eyed Jacks can be used to remove an opponent's marker chip, but only if the space is open.

6. Can I talk to my teammates during the game?

   • No, table talk or coaching team members is not allowed during the game. If a teammate says anything that alerts a fellow teammate to the fact that they are about to do something that they shouldn't, every member of that team must forfeit one card of their choice from their hand and place it on their discard pile.

By following these rules, you'll be well on your way to mastering the classic game of Sequence. Buy Sequence on Amazon and enjoy hours of strategic fun with family and friends.