How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Welcome to the Exciting World of Spring Meadow!

Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of Spring Meadow? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here, I’ll be walking you through all the rules of the game, so don’t fret. By the end of this, you’ll be ready for some fast-paced, flower-filled fun!

Goal:

The goal of Spring Meadow is to create the most beautiful and vibrant meadow imaginable. You’ll be faced with a plot of land that’s just waiting to come to life, and it’s up to you to make it happen. Plant those flowers, let the grass grow, and create a breathtaking oasis!

Components:

Before we delve into the rules, let’s take a quick peek at what you’ll find inside the box. You’ll get a game board, 56 tiles in different shapes, a scorepad, and, of course, rules – just like these! It’s everything you need to get started and embark on your meadow-making adventure.

Preparation:

So, let’s get ready to rumble, meadow style! Start by placing the game board in the center of the table. Next, shuffle all the tiles and place them in face-down stacks within easy reach of all players. Each player should also have their own scorepad and a pen or pencil handy.

Gameplay:

Time to get those green fingers working! The game is played over a series of rounds, and in each round, you’ll be flipping over tiles and placing them onto your meadow. The tiles will come in different shapes and with various features, like mountain peaks or animal dens. You’ll need to strategically place them to create a balanced and beautiful environment.

When it’s your turn, you’ll flip over a tile from one of the face-down stacks. You’ll have the option to either place it on your meadow or save it for a later turn. But be careful, you only have room for three saved tiles, so choose wisely! The ultimate goal is to make the best use of your tiles and score the most points.

Scoring:

Ah, the moment of truth! At the end of the game, it’s time to tally up those scores. You’ll earn points based on the number of flowers you’ve planted, the length of your paths, and the number of animals you’ve attracted to your meadow. The player with the highest score is crowned the Spring Meadow champion!

Well, there you have it – the lowdown on Spring Meadow! It’s a game that’ll have you channeling your inner landscape artist and creating stunning meadows in no time. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of colors, shapes, and strategy. Happy meadow-making!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Spring is a magical time in the mountains. As the harsh winter ends and the days get longer, beautiful flowers start blooming, and even the marmots wake up from their long sleep. It’s the perfect season for a hike! But before you hit the trails, you need to plan your route carefully. Look out for marmot burrows and make sure you bring enough food for a picnic. A hungry hiker won’t have much luck earning an edelweiss hiking pin while sitting on a rock surrounded by snow!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Components

  • 1 double-sided Hiking Map
  • 4 double-sided Mountain boards
  • 1 Signpost
  • 1 Compass
  • 100 Meadow tiles
  • 72 Rock Tiles
  • 25 Marmots

Let’s Go Hiking!

Hey there, nature enthusiasts! Are you ready for an exciting hiking adventure? I sure am! Today, I want to tell you all about an amazing game called “Picnics & Hiking.”

So, in this game, we have these cool things called Meadow tiles. Think of them as little pieces of a beautiful spring meadow, tucked away in the majestic mountains. And the best part? No snow in sight!

The aim of the game is to strategically place your Meadow tiles on your Mountain board to create the largest snow-free area. The bigger your area, the better your chances of winning! But how do we win? Well, here’s the deal:

You see, there are these Scoring phases that will be triggered throughout the game. The first player to win 2 Scoring phases is the ultimate hiking champion! How awesome is that?

Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s what you need to do:

  1. First, you choose 1 Meadow tile from the Signpost Path on the Hiking Map. Look out for the tiles marked with a Signpost. These are your lucky picks!
  2. Next, you place your chosen Meadow tile on your Mountain board. Make sure you pay attention to the Holes in the tiles and the Burrows on your board. Those Burrows will really test your puzzle-solving skills! And if you place your Meadow tile adjacent to a Hole, you’ll get to add extra Rock tiles to your board. How cool is that?

So there you have it, fellow hikers! That’s the gist of “Picnics & Hiking.” It’s all about strategically placing Meadow tiles, creating the largest snow-free area, and winning those Scoring phases. Trust me, it’s a game you won’t want to miss!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

So, you want to cover a Burrow? Well, here’s what you need to do: find a previously cleared Burrow and put a Marmot on top of it. Simple enough, right?

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Hey there! Let me fill you in on something interesting about hiking. So, picture this: you’re out on a hike, exploring a beautiful trail. As you make your way, you notice a Signpost standing next to a Signpost Path on the Hiking Map. Guess what happens next? A Scoring phase is triggered! But hold on, what does that even mean?

Here’s the deal: When the Signpost and the Signpost Path meet, and there are either zero or just one Meadow tile around, it’s time for some serious scoring action. This is when the Hiking Map comes into play, and the game shifts gears for a bit.

During the Scoring phase, you get the chance to earn points based on your hiking skills. It’s like a little reward for your trailblazing efforts! Just remember, the key to scoring big is to pay attention to the number of Meadow tiles nearby. The fewer they are, the better your chances of boosting your score.

So, the next time you’re out hiking and you stumble upon a Signpost and a Signpost Path, keep your eyes peeled for those Meadow tiles. That way, you’ll be ready to make the most of the Scoring phase and rack up some serious points. Happy hiking!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

You start at the bottom of your Mountain board and count all the spaces that are covered, including the ones in your first incomplete row, to calculate your score. It’s pretty simple.

The person who has the most points gets a Hiking Pin and has to put Marmots on all of their cleared Burrows. It’s like a reward for doing a good job.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

After finishing the Scoring process, simply refill the Hiking Map with Meadow tiles that are drawn randomly.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

If you want to win the game, you’ll need to be the first player to earn their second Hiking Pin.

Getting Started

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

First, let’s set up the hiking map. Put the side of the map that matches the number of players face up in the center of the table.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMessFor 2/4 players, How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMessfor 1/3 players

Now, let’s shuffle all the meadow tiles and place one on each of the 25 spaces on the hiking map.

Put the remaining meadow tiles back in the box for now. We’ll need them later to refill the hiking map.

Next, we need to have the rock tiles, marmots, picnics/hiking pins, and compass within easy reach of all the players. Keep them in a common supply.

Finally, place the signpost next to the player count icon on the hiking map.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Alright, let me break it down for you. We’re gonna get this party started by shuffling those Mountain boards so that everyone gets their own. Oh, and make sure to turn them with the arrow on top.

Now, here’s a little tip: depending on how much space you’ve got on the table, you can choose to put those Mountain boards up and down or side to side. But hey, for a smoother game, it’s best if we all go with the same orientation. You know what I mean? By the way, all the examples in this manual are gonna show you the vertical setup.

Now, let’s figure out who gets to go first. The player who was most recently hanging out on a mountain takes the crown. And from there on, each player will grab a Rock tile. The size of that tile is gonna depend on how many of us are playing and the order we’re in. Got it? Great, let’s get this show on the road!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When it’s my turn, I grab a Rock tile that takes up two spaces on the board.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

So, here’s what happens: I get a 1 space Rock tile, and the third player gets a 3 space Rock tile. That’s the deal, and it’s pretty straightforward.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When it’s my turn, I grab a Rock tile. The second player chooses a 1 space Rock tile, the third player goes for a 2 space Rock tile, and the fourth player snags a 3 space Rock tile. Pretty simple, right?

Now, here’s the cool part. On my very first turn, I get to place my Rock tile along with my trusty Meadow tile. It’s like a power move, a double whammy, all in one go.

The Rules of Placement

Let me break it down for you. These are the rules that apply when us players are working with Meadow tiles and Rock tiles. Keep these in mind, and you’ll be good to go:

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When it comes to the game of Mountain, the most crucial thing to remember is that you can only place tiles on your Mountain board.

Are you a fan of Mountain or interested in learning more about it? If so, you’ll love this guide on understanding the significance of placing tiles on your Mountain board.

One of the key aspects of the game is the restriction on tile placement. Unlike other games where you can freely place tiles wherever you want, in Mountain, you are limited to your own board.

The decision of where to place your tiles can be perplexing at times. You have to carefully consider the position and arrangement of each tile, as it directly impacts your strategy and the overall outcome of the game.

By following the rule of only placing tiles on your Mountain board, you create a unique and personalized experience for yourself. The challenge lies in maximizing the potential of your own board without the ability to interfere with your opponents’ boards.

It’s important to note that this restriction is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it limits your options and forces you to think strategically. On the other hand, it provides an opportunity for creativity and innovation as you find unique ways to arrange your tiles.

Understanding the significance of this rule is crucial for success in the game. It encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and resourcefulness. As a result, each game of Mountain becomes a new and exciting puzzle to solve.

In conclusion, the rule of only placing tiles on your Mountain board is fundamental to the game. It adds an extra layer of challenge and complexity, elevating the gameplay to new heights. So, next time you play Mountain, remember the importance of strategic tile placement and embrace the opportunity to unleash your creativity within the boundaries of your own board.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Hey there! Do you enjoy playing games that challenge your brain? Well, I have a fun and exciting one for you. It’s called “flip and rotate the tiles.”

So, here’s the deal. In this game, you will be presented with a grid of tiles. Each tile has a different symbol on it, and your goal is to flip and rotate these tiles until they all match. Sounds simple, right? But let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it seems.

You see, the challenge here is that when you flip or rotate a tile, it affects the adjacent tiles as well. This means that you need to think strategically and plan your moves carefully. One wrong move, and the whole grid can get mixed up again.

But don’t worry, that’s the fun part! The game keeps you on your toes, making you think and analyze the consequences of each move. It’s like a puzzle that you need to solve by finding the right combination of flips and rotations.

Now, why is this game so important? Well, let me tell you. When you play “flip and rotate the tiles,” you are exercising your brain in a unique way. You are training your spatial reasoning skills and your ability to think critically. These are essential skills that can help you in various aspects of your life.

By playing this game, you learn how to approach complex problems, break them down into smaller parts, and come up with creative solutions. You also learn the value of patience and perseverance. Sometimes, it may take several tries before you find the right combination of moves to solve the puzzle. But that’s part of the challenge, and it only makes the victory sweeter.

So, if you enjoy games that stimulate your mind and keep you entertained, give “flip and rotate the tiles” a try. It’s a fantastic way to have fun while sharpening your cognitive skills.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Have you ever wondered how to place tiles? It can be a bit perplexing, but I’m here to help you understand the process. So, let’s dive right in!

To start, you may be wondering where exactly you can place your tiles. Well, the answer is simple – you can either put them next to existing tiles or keep them separate from the existing ones. It’s all about finding the right spot that fits your vision.

Now, let me walk you through the steps involved in placing tiles. First, you need to carefully consider your options and choose the right location. You want to make sure the tiles complement the overall look and feel of the space. Think about the colors, patterns, and textures that will work best.

Next, you’ll need to prepare the surface where the tiles will be placed. Clean and level the area to ensure a smooth foundation. You don’t want any bumps or unevenness that could affect the final result.

Once the surface is ready, you can start laying the tiles. Begin with a trial run, arranging the tiles without any adhesive. This way, you can experiment with different patterns and layouts until you find the perfect arrangement. It’s like solving a puzzle!

After you’re satisfied with the layout, it’s time to adhere the tiles to the surface. You’ll need the right type of adhesive for your specific tiles, so make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the adhesive evenly, using a trowel or a similar tool, and press the tiles firmly into place.

Remember, patience is key when placing tiles. Take your time to ensure they are aligned correctly and that the spacing is consistent. You want the end result to be visually pleasing and professional-looking.

Finally, allow the adhesive to dry completely. This step is crucial for the tiles to bond securely to the surface. It may take some time, but the wait will be worth it when you see the finished product.

So, there you have it – a step-by-step guide on how to place tiles. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll become a pro in no time. Happy tiling!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

If you want to discover hidden gems, I have a fascinating method just for you. All you need to do is place a tile with its Hole over a Burrow. Exciting, right?

This may sound simple, but it’s actually a thoughtful strategy that requires careful consideration. You want to choose the right tile and find the perfect Burrow to place it over. It’s a game of balance and precision.

By following this technique, you’ll uncover the magic of uncovering the unknown. The Burrows hold secrets and surprises, waiting to be revealed. Each tile you place brings you closer to unraveling the mysteries hidden beneath the surface.

The thrill of discovery is what makes this game so captivating. With every move, you’ll experience a rush of anticipation. What will you find next? What wonders await you? The possibilities are endless.

But remember, this method is not without its challenges. As you navigate through the Burrows, you may encounter obstacles and setbacks. But don’t let that deter you. Embrace the journey and use each twist and turn to your advantage. There’s always a way forward.

So, step into the world of tile placement and exploration. Let your curiosity guide you as you uncover the hidden treasures within each Burrow. The game is waiting for you, ready to transport you to a world of mystery and excitement. Are you ready to embark on this adventure?

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When it comes to online chess, it’s important to remember that you can’t move a tile after it has been placed. This might seem obvious to some, but it’s a fundamental rule that many beginners overlook. One might think that this restriction limits your options and makes the game less exciting, but, in fact, the opposite is true. This constraint is what makes chess such a challenging and strategic game – you have to anticipate your opponent’s moves and think several steps ahead.

Understanding the immutability of chess pieces is key to developing a successful strategy. Each move you make has consequences that reverberate throughout the game. You can’t just make hasty decisions, hoping for a lucky outcome. Instead, you have to carefully consider every move, analyzing different possibilities and predicting how your opponent will respond. It’s like a mental game of chess within the greater chess game itself.

By following this unalterable rule, you elevate the game of chess to a higher level, where every move carries weight and significance. It forces you to think in a more deliberate and calculated manner. You can’t take back a blunder and start over; you have to find a way to navigate the consequences of your actions.

Although the restriction on moving tiles might seem like a disadvantage at first, it adds depth and complexity to the game. It forces you to engage your brain and strategize, rather than relying on quick reflexes or superficial tactics. When you can’t change your moves, you have to make the most of the options available to you at any given moment.

If you’re new to chess, understanding this essential rule is crucial. It sets the stage for the rest of the game and shapes your approach to each move. So remember, once a piece is placed, it’s there to stay. Embrace this limitation and let it inspire your strategic thinking. By doing so, you’ll discover the true beauty and challenge of chess.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Hey there! Let’s talk about an interesting game called Mahjong. Have you ever heard of it? It’s a traditional Chinese game, and it’s loads of fun!

Mahjong is a puzzle game where you have to match pairs of tiles together. But here’s the catch – you can’t just place a tile on top of another one or overlap them. Each tile has to be free on at least one side in order to be selectable.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. How do I know which tiles to select? Well, the tiles are usually decorated with different Chinese characters, symbols, or pictures. Your goal is to find two identical tiles and remove them from the board. Sounds simple, right?

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, the tiles are arranged in a way that makes it hard to find matches. But don’t worry, as long as you’re patient and observant, you’ll be able to spot those matching tiles in no time!

Mahjong is not just a game of luck – it also requires some strategy. You need to plan ahead and think about the consequences of your moves. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you can’t make any more matches.

So, let’s recap. Mahjong is a puzzle game where you have to match pairs of tiles together. Each tile has to be free on at least one side to be selectable. You need to be patient, observant, and strategic to win this game.

Now that you know the basics, are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of Mahjong? Trust me, it’s a game that will keep you entertained for hours!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Don’t let your tile hang over the edge of your Mountain board.

Uh-oh! I made a big mistake! You know that game, Mountain? This game is all about building a mountain using tiny tiles. But here’s the thing, you can’t let a tile hang off the edge of your board. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn’t work! Trust me, I learned this the hard way. I was so focused on building my mountain as high as possible that I didn’t realize one of my tiles was sticking out. Talk about a major fail! It’s like building a house on a shaky foundation – it’s just asking for trouble. So, remember, when you’re playing Mountain, make sure you place your tiles all nice and snug. Keep ’em in line and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful, balanced mountain. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where everything fits just right. So don’t be like me, keep those tiles in check and build the mountain of your dreams!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When playing the game, I’ve learned that it’s important not to place a tile that covers a Burrow, unless you have already cleared a Burrow on your Mountain board. This is a rule that you should always keep in mind, as it can greatly impact your gameplay strategy.

The Burrows on the Mountain board serve as an important resource for you, as they allow you to gain extra points. By covering a Burrow with a tile, you deny yourself the opportunity to benefit from its advantages.

So, if you’re looking to maximize your points and elevate your chances of winning, it’s crucial to always take into account the presence of Burrows and the tiles you place on your Mountain board. Remember, the goal is not just to cover the Mountain board but to strategically place tiles that will regenerate a response from the Burrows and ultimately optimize your score.

The Burrows are a double-edged sword in the game. On one hand, they offer valuable resources and points. On the other hand, they require careful planning and consideration when placing tiles. It’s all about finding the right balance and understanding the importance of each move you make.

So, next time you’re playing, make sure to keep these factors in mind. The presence of Burrows can greatly impact your strategy and overall gameplay experience. By considering them and making smart choices, you can maximize your score and potentially secure victory.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Burrows

I want to tell you about Burrows and how they play a role on every Mountain board. When it comes to scoring, Burrows count as covered spaces, which means they don’t have to be covered. It’s pretty cool, right?

Now, here’s something interesting: when you can see a Burrow through a Hole in a Meadow tile, that Burrow is considered cleared. And you know what? Each cleared Burrow is actually worth an extra point during scoring. Isn’t that neat?

But here’s the thing: if you cover a Burrow with a Meadow tile and it’s no longer visible, you have to put a Marmot on top of one of your cleared Burrows. It’s like a little reminder that it used to be there. But here’s the catch – if you don’t have any cleared Burrows, sorry, but you can’t cover a Burrow with a tile. Gotta leave it alone.

Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky: a Burrow that’s covered by a Marmot doesn’t count as cleared anymore and doesn’t get that extra point during scoring. That’s just the way it is, my friend.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Hey there! I’m Astrid. Let me tell you about my adventures in the meadow. Today, I placed a Meadow tile and covered up a little Burrow with it. It’s like a puzzle, you know? I have to figure out where everything goes.

Once I placed the tile, I had to put a Marmot on top of the Burrow that I cleared. It’s important to keep track of everything and make sure the Marmots have a safe place to live. They are super cute little creatures!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Did you know that marmots tend to be quite timid creatures?

Time for Your Turn

Alright, it’s your turn to play! Just remember, we’ll be going clockwise from the start player.

  1. First things first, we need to check if it’s time for a Scoring phase.
  2. Now, choose a Meadow tile from the Signpost Path and place it down.
  3. If you’ve earned any Rock tiles, claim them as your own.
  4. Oh, and don’t forget to move the Signpost to the next Path along the way!

Step 1: The Signpost

But wait, you might be wondering, when exactly does a Scoring phase happen?

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When I play the game, the first thing I notice is the Signpost sitting there, marking the Signpost Path. It’s like a guide, telling me where to go.

But here’s the thing: if, at the start of my turn, there are only one or no Meadow tiles left on the Signpost Path in the Hiking Map, something exciting happens. It’s called a Scoring phase, and it adds a whole new level of strategy to the game.

Now, with two players, things get even more interesting. If there are two or fewer Meadow tiles left on the Signpost Path, bam! Another Scoring phase kicks in. It’s like a double dose of excitement.

2. Signpost Path

I bet you’re wondering which Meadow tile you can pick, right?

When it’s your turn, you get to choose a Meadow tile from the Signpost Path on the Hiking Map. And let me tell you, there are rules that you must follow when you place it on your Mountain board. You gotta play fair, after all.

But here’s the catch: if there’s no legal spot to put the Meadow tile, sorry, buddy, you have to skip this step. It’s a bummer, I know.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When playing the Solo game or with 3 players, don’t forget to utilize the diagonals as Signpost Paths. If you start the game with a Rock tile, make sure to place it on your Mountain board, along with your Meadow tile, during your first turn.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When you’re trying out a Meadow tile on your Mountain board, simply make a note of where it is on the Signpost Path using the Compass.

Doing this will make it a breeze to locate it later on, especially if you decide to switch to a different tile.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Hey there! I’m here to give you some tips on how to use the markers on the border of the Hiking Map. It can be a little confusing at first, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back!

So, here’s the deal: when you look at the Hiking Map, you’ll notice these markers on the border. They are there to help you figure out when it will be your turn to go again. Pretty neat, right?

Now, let me break it down for you. Each marker represents a person or a group of people who are waiting to go on the hike. The order of the markers tells you when it will be your turn.

Imagine you see three markers on the border. The first marker represents the person or group that will go next. The second marker represents the person or group that will go after that. And so on.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. As time goes by, the markers will move. The first marker will move to the back, and the second marker will become the first. This means that your turn is getting closer!

When it’s finally your turn, the first marker will reach the end of the border and disappear. This means it’s time for you to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail!

Remember, the markers on the border of the Hiking Map are your friends. They show you the order in which people will go on the hike. So keep an eye on those markers and get ready for your turn to come!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Hey there! Let’s talk about the turn order in the game of Spring Meadow. When playing with three or four players, the start player goes first, followed by the second player, then the third player, and finally the fourth player.

When playing with only two players, things work a little differently. The start player gets to take their turn when the turn order marker is on the odd-numbered spaces, like the one with the image How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess. The second player gets to go when the marker is on the even-numbered spaces, like the ones with the images How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess and How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

3. The Magic of Rock Tiles

Wondering what happens when I put holes next to each other?

Imagine this: when I place a new Meadow tile and its Hole (or Holes) ends up right beside another Hole, it’s not just a coincidence – it’s a Group! And let me tell you, creating or expanding a Group is like unleashing a magical spell.

Let’s say I have a Group with a couple of adjacent Holes, whether it’s horizontal or vertical. The number of Holes in the Group determines the size of the Rock tile that I can add to my awesome Mountain board. The rule is simple: the more Holes, the bigger the Rock tile! For example, if my Group has 2 Holes, a cute little 1 space Rock tile will do the trick. But if it’s 3 Holes, I’ll go for a 2 space Rock tile to make things even more exciting. And it keeps getting better – with 4 Holes, I’ll grab a 3 space Rock tile, and for a whopping 5 or more Holes, a magnificent 4 space Rock tile is coming my way!

Oh, did I mention that both snow-covered Holes and cleared Burrows count towards the number of Holes in a Group? That means even more Rock tile goodness for me! But guess what? Burrows with a Marmot don’t count as Holes, so they won’t have any effect on the size of my Rock tile.

Don’t worry if your Group grows beyond 5 Holes when you expand it – you’ll still only get one mighty 4 space Rock tile. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always choose to pick a smaller Rock tile instead. Just remember, you can’t break a bigger Rock tile into multiple smaller ones – they like to stay whole, just like magic.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

So, here’s what happened: Niki was playing a game and she put a tile called Meadow on her board that had mountains. She put it in a way that made a group with 4 holes. Pretty cool, right? Well, because she made that group, she got to take a rock tile from the supply. But get this, instead of taking a big 3-space rock tile, she decided to take a smaller 2-space one. Then she put it on her board to fill in a gap. Smart move!

Now, here’s something interesting. Some of the Meadow tiles have 2 holes. And if you expand just one group, you get to take one rock tile. But if you expand two separate groups, you get to take two rock tiles. Nice way to get more rocks!

Now, you might be wondering, what if there aren’t any rocks left? Well, don’t worry. There’s an unlimited supply of rock tiles. If you can’t find the right size, you can use smaller ones and put them together. Easy peasy. Just remember, the big 4-space rock tile only comes in a square shape. And if, by some crazy chance, all the tiny 1-space rock tiles are gone, just get creative and find something else to use. Problem solved!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When I place the Meadow tile with 2 Holes right here, I get to expand 2 Groups at the same time and take 2 Rock tiles from the supply. And guess what? I can put those Rock tiles on my Mountain board right away!

4. I’m Moving On

So, what’s next for me at the end of my turn?

Well, after you finish your turn, just move the Signpost to the next Path in a clockwise direction. Easy!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Awarding Points

Whenever I start my turn and find 0 or 1 Meadow tile(s) in the Signpost Path of the Hiking Map, it’s time to score some points!

Summing it Up

By adding up the points you accumulate throughout the game, you can determine your final score. Each completed feature on the Hiking Map is worth a specific number of points.

Pathways

If you complete a pathway on the Hiking Map, you score 1 point for each tile in the pathway, along with any bonus points from Stripes or Compasses. Remember, though, that only one player can be awarded points for each pathway.

Meadows

Each Meadow tile within a completed pathway is worth an additional 2 points. So, it’s advantageous to have Meadows in your completed pathways.

Stripes and Compasses

If your pathway includes a Stripe or a Compass, you receive bonus points based on the number of unique types of terrain adjacent to that feature. Each unique terrain type is worth 1 point, so there’s potential for multiple bonus points!

Longest Path

If you have the longest continuous path on the Hiking Map, you score 2 bonus points.

End of the Game

When there are no more tiles to place on the Hiking Map, the game ends and it’s time for final scoring.

Calculating Final Scores

To calculate your final score in the game, add up the points you earned from scoring features and bonus points throughout the game. The player with the highest score wins!

Strategy Tip:

It’s a good idea to focus on completing pathways during the game, as they provide steady points. Keep an eye out for opportunities to create long pathways and incorporate Meadows, Stripes, and Compasses for bonus points. And remember, having the longest continuous path can give you an extra edge!

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

When you’re playing a game with two players, something interesting happens when there are only two or fewer Meadow tiles left in the Signpost Path. It’s called the Scoring phase, and it’s a chance for you to earn some extra points.

During the Scoring phase, the active player won’t get a turn, but they’ll receive a Picnic as compensation. Instead of taking a regular turn, they can enjoy a relaxing picnic with an extra 2 points added to their score.

So, how do you calculate your score during the Scoring phase? Well, start by counting the fully covered rows, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Each fully covered row is worth a whopping 10 points. And here’s a tip: the Burrows already count as covered spaces, so make sure to count them too!

Now, here’s the tricky part. Look for the first row that’s not fully covered. Add up all the covered spaces in that row, because each one is worth 1 point. But remember, only the first incomplete row counts for scoring. Any fully covered rows above it don’t count.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

If you decide to play with a horizontal orientation, I’ll guide you on how to keep score. You just need to count the fully covered columns from left to right.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

So, here’s the deal: you clear all your Burrows on the Mountain board, no matter where they are. Every cleared Burrow gets you 1 point. Easy, right?

Now, here’s the fun part: the player with the most points wins the Scoring phase. It’s all about those points, folks!

But wait, there’s more! The winner gets to take the Picnic tile from the active player and flips the Hiking Pin side face up. It’s a fancy way of saying they snag a special prize.

Now, what happens if there’s a tie, you ask? Well, the tied player who is farthest counter-clockwise from the active player wins the Hiking Pin. It’s like a secret treasure hunt!

But hold on, there’s one more thing: the winner has to place Marmots on top of all their cleared Burrows. Think of them as cute little trophies on your victory lap.

Let me give you an example to break it down. Say Giulia is the active player when the Scoring happens. She gets herself a Picnic. Nice! Now, she has 2 rows that are fully covered, and another row that’s not quite there with 8 covered spaces.

But here’s the catch: that fully covered row above the incomplete row doesn’t count. So we won’t be counting that. Instead, we’ll focus on Giulia’s 3 cleared Burrows on her Mountain board.

Drumroll, please. Giulia’s total score is… 33 points! How did we get there? Well, it’s simple math: 2 + 20 + 8 + 3. Easy peasy!

I am delighted to announce that I have accumulated the highest number of points, securing a victory in the Scoring game. As a reward for my triumph, I have the privilege of turning the Picnic token over to its Hiking Pin side. In addition to this, I am given the opportunity to place Marmots on each of the Burrows that have been successfully cleared.

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Refill

Hey there! Wondering when we need to refill those meadow tiles?

Well, after we finish the Scoring phase and if nobody has won yet, we randomly select Meadow tiles from the box to fill up the empty spots on the Hiking Map. And guess what? The player who had their turn interrupted by the Scoring phase gets to continue and pick a Meadow tile!

End of the Game

How to play Spring Meadow Official Rules UltraFoodMess

You win the game once you’ve earned your second Hiking Pin. Be the first player to reach this milestone!

The game will come to a close after 2 to 5 Scoring phases, depending on the number of players and the results of each phase.

Expert Version

If you prefer a more predictable experience when replenishing the Hiking Map with Meadow tiles, here’s how you can do it: Create a queue of Meadow tiles next to the Hiking Map.

The start space’s corner marks the beginning of the queue. Fill the empty spaces from the top left of the start space to the bottom right with Meadow tiles from the queue.

Slide the remaining tiles to the corner and replenish the queue.

Make sure there are always 20 Meadow tiles in the queue.

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