Contents
Karesansui Game Rules
Hey there, let’s dive into the world of the Karesansui game and understand how to play it. This unique game will challenge your strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
First things first, let’s talk about the objective of the game. In Karesansui, your goal is to create a beautiful Japanese rock garden. You’ll be given a grid of squares, and it’s up to you to strategically place rocks and sand in order to create the most serene and harmonious design.
Now, let me guide you through the rules of the game. To start, you’ll have a limited number of rocks and sand at your disposal. Rocks are used to create borders and define the shape of your garden, while sand is used to fill the empty spaces. You can place rocks and sand in any empty square on the grid.
Here’s where the strategy comes into play. You need to carefully consider the placement of each element. Should you place a rock at the edge of the garden or in the center? How much sand should you use? These decisions will affect the overall aesthetic and balance of your garden.
Remember, simplicity is key. Karesansui gardens are known for their minimalistic design, so try to create a clean and tranquil atmosphere. Less is often more in this game.
Additionally, make sure to take into account the size and shape of each rock. Some rocks are larger and will take up more space, while others are smaller and can fit into tight corners. Be thoughtful in your choices to create a visually appealing garden.
As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new rocks and sand designs to enhance your garden even further. Experiment with different combinations and structures to find your own unique style.
One more thing, have fun! Karesansui is not just about creating a garden, it’s about enjoying the process and finding inner peace through the art of design. So sit back, relax, and let your creativity flow.
Now that you understand the rules of the Karesansui game, it’s time to start playing. Get ready to unleash your creative spirit and embark on a journey of tranquility. Good luck, and may your garden be a masterpiece!
Alright, here’s my take on the text:
Imagine this: I have a game, and it’s called Rock Garden. What’s inside the box? Let me tell you:
- 76 Rocks (wooden)
- 1 Cloth Bag
- 10 “Pass” cards –
- 10 “Trips” cards
- 10 “Foursome” cards
- 10 “Straight Flush” cards
- 6 Rock Garden player boards
- 6 Rakes – one in each player color
- 1 Bidding board
Setup
Hey there! Let’s talk about setting up a game of Rock Garden. Here’s how you do it:
First, place the Bidding board right in the middle of the table so that everyone can easily reach it.
Next, give each player their very own Rock Garden board and a Rake that matches their color. The Rock Garden boards are pretty cool because they have two sides. You can choose to use either side, it’s up to you.
One side of the board is divided into different regions for each type of rock. This makes it easier to see if you have any Forbidden Sets (more on that later).
The other side doesn’t have any divisions, so you can arrange your rocks however you want. The goal is to create a flow of chi through your garden and bring balance and harmony to all who visit and play.
Now, it’s time to sort the Demerit cards. There are four types of Demerit cards: Trips, Foursome, Straight Flush, and Forbidden Set. Arrange the stacks so that the 1 card is on top and the cards go down in order, all the way to 10.
And there you have it! The game is all set up and ready to go. Have fun playing Rock Garden!
First, let me walk you through the steps to set up the game:
- Start by placing a single black rock on the space marked 1 on the Round Tracker, which is located on the outer edge of the Bidding board.
- Next, take the remaining 75 rocks and put them into a bag. Each player should then draw five rocks from the bag and place them in their Rock Garden.
- Now, it’s time to determine who will be the start player for round 1.
 Bidding Board |
Overview
As an “Initiates Second Grade” student in the Monkey Fist Feng Shui Monastery, it is a great honor to tend to the Masters’ rock gardens.
Every morning, the Grade One students bring you the rocks they have gathered. Along with the other Grade Two students, you decide which rocks you no longer need, and they are hauled away.
But here’s the thing: there’s just not enough Grade One rocks for everyone. So, to get the best rocks, you’ll have to compete a little. The Grade Ones will give their new rocks to whoever can give them the least number of old rocks.
You can decorate your garden with pretty much any rocks you want. But there are a few combinations that you have to avoid. The Feng Shui Masters come by every afternoon to check your garden and make sure everything is in order.
If you make any of the forbidden combinations, you’ll get demerits. But if you don’t add new rocks each day, you’ll also get demerits for being lazy. And trust me, you don’t want the dishonor of being sent down the mountain to bring back a rock for yourself.
When it’s time for the Masters to evaluate us, they won’t give any warnings. I’m in the Second Grade, and this evaluation will determine whether I move up to Grade Three or get sent back down to Grade One. It all depends on how many demerits I have compared to the other Initiates.
Game Play
When I play this game, I go through five steps. Here’s what happens in each step:
- I start by laying out new piles of rocks.
- Next, we all bid to get the new rocks.
- After the bidding, we turn in our bids and get our new rocks.
- We then turn in any Forbidden Sets and get Demerit Cards for them.
- Finally, the new start player moves the Black rock and we start the next round.
1. I lay out new piles of rocks
To start a new round, I make piles of rocks on the Bidding board in the center of the table. I make one pile for each player, except for one.
For example, if there are six players, I make five piles. But if there are five players, I make four piles, and so on.
To make a pile of rocks in each section of the Bidding board, I will draw one rock at a time and add it to the pile until the total value of the pile reaches 6 or more.
Now, let’s talk about how players bid to acquire the new rocks. Starting with the first player, each player will have two options:
1. Bidding for a pile of rocks they want, or
2. Passing on the bid.
If a player chooses to bid, they will use the rocks they already have in their gardens. This means they will trade some of their rocks for a complete pile of rocks from the Bidding board.
To place a bid, the player will put the rocks they want to trade on their rake and next to the pile of rocks they want to take. To easily identify whose bid belongs to whom, the handle of the rake should point to the player who made the bid.
B. Pass:
When it’s my turn to bid, I have a choice – I can either make a bid or pass. It’s like a game of hot potato, where I have to decide if I want to take the rocks or let someone else do it. And the best part is, there are no limits on how much I can bid. I can use all the rocks in my rock garden, or I can bid with none at all and hope to get some new rocks without giving up anything. It’s all up to me!
The bidding goes around in a clockwise direction, with each player having the option to bid or pass. If I see a pile of rocks that someone else has already bid on and I want to make a bid for it, there are rules to follow. My new bid must either have a lower total value than the previous bid or have an equal total value but with fewer rocks. It’s like a game of strategy, where I have to figure out the best way to outbid my opponents without going overboard.
But what happens when someone outbids me? Well, I don’t have to worry. I can take back my bid and put the rocks back into my rock garden. When it’s my turn again, I can make a bid on any pile I want – I’m not limited to the pile that I was bumped from. It’s all about flexibility and adaptability, making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
So, when it comes to bidding, I have two options – I can either make a bid or pass. But remember, there are no limits on what I can bid. It’s a game of strategy and decision-making, where I have to carefully consider my options and outsmart my opponents. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
When I’m playing this game, I can’t pass if there are any piles left without bids. I don’t have to bid on those piles specifically (I can bid on a pile that someone else has already bid on), but I can’t pass altogether.
After all the piles have bids and someone finally decides to pass, that’s the end of the bidding round. The player who passes gets a Demerit card from the Pass cards stack for being lazy, and then they have to pick a random rock from the bag.
The rest of us put the rocks we bid with back into the bag, and we keep the rocks we won for our bids in our rock gardens.
Lastly, we turn in any forbidden sets we might have and collect the corresponding Demerit cards.
Hey there! Let’s dive into the exciting world of Rock Garden and learn how to play. It’s super fun, I promise!
So, here’s the deal: each player takes turns, starting with the person who passed, and going clockwise. During your turn, you need to check your rock garden for The 3 Forbidden Sets. These sets are a bit tricky, so pay attention!
- “Pathstones to Trip the Wanderer” (Trips) are any group of three rocks that look exactly the same. Yup, three identical rocks right there!
- A “Dissonant Force” (Foursome) happens when you have four rocks with the same value but different colors. You know, it’s like they all have the same power, but they each have their own unique style.
- A “Strait of Conformity” (Straight Flush) is a fancy name for a set of three rocks with values I, II, and III. Oh, and they all have to be the same color too. It’s like they’re all buddies, sticking together.
If, and only if, you have one or more of these Forbidden Sets in your rock garden, you have to say goodbye to them. Put those rocks back into the bag and then take the top card(s) from the Demerit card deck(s). These cards are pretty sneaky, they show you how to spot the problem sets on the player aide side of the Rock Garden player boards. Keep them face down in front of you, though. We don’t want anyone peeking!
That’s basically it! Now you’re ready to rock and roll with Rock Garden. Have a blast!
This is my imaginative reinterpretation of the original text:
Amidst the serene world of Karesansui, there exists an intriguing card game where strategy and cunning intertwine. Journey with me as I uncover the enigmatic rules and challenges that await those who dare to embark on this captivating adventure.
When playing Karesansui, you will encounter a special card known as the “Pass” Demerit Card. This card holds immense power and can greatly influence the outcome of the game. It is an ally that should be used wisely, for its misuse can lead one astray.
Trips are a unique occurrence in Karesansui. Imagine three rocks of the same color and number, occupying the same space on the Rock Garden board. This trifecta of beauty grants you a momentary advantage that can turn the tide of the game in your favor. Harness the power of trips and watch your fortunes flourish.
A Foursome, on the other hand, is a gathering of four rocks of different colors, yet with the same number. They form a harmonious quartet, occupying the same row on the board. This symphony of diversity grants you the ability to sway the game in your favor and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
If you seek the ultimate triumph, you must strive for a Straight Flush. Picture three rocks of different numbers, all of the same color, standing tall in perfect alignment within the same column. This rare occurrence bestows upon you the power to dominate the game and write your name in the annals of victory.
In the realm of Karesansui, every move is a dance, every strategy a delicate brushstroke. With each decision, the path ahead will reveal itself. Strategy, cunning, and a keen eye are your tools to unlock the secrets of this wondrous card game. Will you embody the spirit of Karesansui and claim your rightful place among the Masters? The choice is yours. Enter this realm and experience the tranquility and excitement that await you.
The “Pass” Demerit Card.
Trips are 3 identical (in color and number) rocks occupying the same space on the Rock Garden board (Player Aide side)
A Foursome is any 4 different-colored rocks (with the same number) occupying the same row.
A Straight Flush is any 3 differently numbered rocks (of the same color) in the same column.
When trying my best to avoid creating even a single Forbidden Set, it’s not always possible. Sometimes, a player will find themselves with multiple Forbidden Sets and will need to choose which one to turn in first.
For instance, let’s say I have the numbers 1 2222 333. I could choose to turn in the Foursome (2222) first, leaving me with 1 333. In that case, I would still need to turn in the set of Trips (333) separately, earning two Demerit cards. One card would come from the Foursome deck, and the other would come from the Trips deck.
Alternatively, I could decide to turn in the Straight Flush 123. This would leave me with 222 33, but I would only earn one Demerit card from the Straight Flush deck.
Deciding which option is better depends on the specific situation, particularly in relation to the negative points displayed on the topmost Demerit cards.
5. In the next round, the player who is starting advances the black rock.
Once all the players have submitted their Forbidden Sets and dealt with any penalties, the Black rock moves forward one space on the Round Tracker.
If the Black rock was already on the last space of the Round Tracker, it goes back into the bag.
Now, we’re ready to start the next round. The player who passed in this round becomes the start player and needs to refill the Bidding board.
The Game’s End
The game can end in one of two ways:
- The game ends when the Black rock is drawn from the bag.
- If it’s drawn while refilling the piles on the Bidding board, the game ends immediately.
- If I draw the Black rock during a scoring round, I finish scoring that round. I don’t get an extra rock for this round.
- The game ends if the last card is drawn from any of the Demerit card decks. I finish that scoring round and keep track of any extra demerits from the empty card stack(s) with pencil and paper.
At the end of the game, I am the winner if I have earned the fewest demerits (as shown by the points on the Demerit cards collected).
If there’s a tie, the player with the fewest rocks remaining in their rock garden wins.