Smash Up Glossary Lexicon

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Smash Up Glossary Lexicon

Hey there! Are you a fan of Smash Up? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This is your ultimate guide to all the terms and keywords you need to know when playing the game. So let’s dive right in and level up your Smash Up vocabulary!

Factions

First things first, let’s talk about factions. Factions are the different groups of cards you can choose from to build your deck. Each faction has its own unique abilities and strategies. From the sneaky ninjas to the mighty dinosaurs, there’s a faction for every playstyle.

Bases

Now, let’s move on to bases. Bases are the central locations where the action happens. Your goal is to play your minions and actions on these bases to score points. The player with the most power on a base when it scores gets the points. But be careful, because the bases can change and shift throughout the game!

Minions

Minions are the backbone of your deck. These are the cards that you play on bases to gain control and score points. Each minion has a power value and sometimes special abilities that can help you out or hinder your opponents. Choosing the right minions to play at the right time is key to victory.

Actions

Actions are another type of card in Smash Up. These cards allow you to perform special abilities and actions that can turn the tide of the game. From stealing minions to destroying bases, actions give you the power to shape the game in your favor.

Modifiers

Modifiers are cards that you can play on minions or bases to enhance their abilities or change the rules of the game. These cards can be a game-changer, so don’t underestimate their power. Just be careful, because your opponents can use modifiers too!

Combos

Ah, combos. These are the holy grail of Smash Up. Combos are when you play cards together in a sequence to create a powerful and devastating effect. It’s like a one-two punch that can really shake things up on the bases. Finding and executing the perfect combo is what separates the pros from the amateurs.

Strategy

When it comes to Smash Up, strategy is everything. It’s not just about playing the right cards at the right time, but also understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your factions and anticipating your opponents’ moves. A well-thought-out strategy can make all the difference in a game of Smash Up.

Gameplay

Finally, let’s talk about gameplay. In Smash Up, you’ll take turns playing cards, scoring points, and trying to outwit your opponents. The game can be fast and furious, with unexpected twists and turns at every corner. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck.

So there you have it, a crash course in Smash Up lingo. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to conquer the world of Smash Up. Get out there and start smashing!

  • When we write the text for Smash Up cards, we make sure to choose our words carefully. Even words that seem similar, such as destroy, discard, move, place, play, and return, have different meanings in the game. It’s important to understand these specific words and what they mean for your gameplay. Here’s a breakdown of some key terms:
    • #image.jpgA Minion: This refers to any minion that is currently on the playing field, unless otherwise stated. There is one exception to this rule: when a card says “Play a minion,” it means you can choose one from the cards in your hand and put it on the field.
    • #image.jpgAffect: A card is affected when something happens to it. This can include moving it, getting rid of it, changing its power or who controls it, attaching actions or counters to it, or canceling its abilities. Removing a +1 power counter is considered affecting the card it was attached to, but removing an attached action is not. The controller of the card is credited with affecting it, unless the card specifies a different player to carry out the effect.
    • After: “After X do Y” means that once X has been completed, you move on to doing Y. It is important to finish X before starting Y. If X doesn’t happen, then Y also doesn’t happen. You need to do Y right after finishing X, before the current player proceeds with any other action that is not dependent on X. Please use common sense and be considerate when applying this rule. An exception to this is when it says “After a base scores,” which means after victory points have been awarded, not after a new base has been chosen.
      And/Or: “X and/or Y” means that you can have either X or Y or both X and Y. It gives you the flexibility to choose either option or do both if you prefer.
      Attachments: Attachments refer to anything that can be attached or played on a card, such as other cards or power counters. These additional elements enhance or modify the effects and abilities of the card they are attached to.

    • #image.jpgScoring a Base: When a base is selected to be scored, but before victory points (VPs) are given.
    • #image.jpgCancel: Cancelling an ability means that the ability is treated as if it doesn’t exist. Cancelling doesn’t reverse any previous effects caused by the ability.
    • #image.jpgControlling: By default, when you play a card, it becomes yours to use. If you gain control of a card, it’s just like you played it yourself: the minions on the card add to your power, and you can use their abilities. However, controlling a minion doesn’t mean you control any actions played on it, just the abilities of the minion itself. When the card leaves play, it goes back to its owner’s hand, deck, or discard pile.
    • #image.jpgDestroy: This allows you to get rid of a card that’s on the table and put it into the appropriate discard pile.
    • #image.jpgWhat is Direct Influence? Direct Influence is when Card X impacts Card Y by performing one of the actions mentioned in the “Affect” category, with Y as the intended target.
    • #image.jpgWhat is a Direct Power Increase? A card has a Direct Power Increase if it provides a “+N power” boost, moves or places a +1 power counter, or alters the printed power to a higher value. However, abilities that grant power-increase talents (like The Touch) and actions that destroy negative power cards (such as Change Into A Gun) do not fall into the category of direct power increases.
    • #image.jpgDiscard: This action allows you to remove a card from the game or move it to the appropriate discard pile. You usually discard a card from your hand, but some cards may have different instructions.
    • #image.jpgEnd of a turn: “End of the turn” refers to the conclusion of the current player’s turn. On the other hand, “end of your turn” signifies the conclusion of your current turn as the active player or the conclusion of your next turn if you’re not currently playing.
    • #image.jpgExtra: When we talk about an “extra” minion or action in the game, we mean those that don’t count towards your normal limit of one per turn. These special cards can always be played immediately, regardless of your usual restrictions. If you receive an extra card during the Play Cards phase, you can choose to play it later in the phase, unless it specifically mentions a certain card or was given by a Special ability. Just like regular cards, extra cards are optional and don’t have to be played if you don’t want to.
    • #image.jpgHave: Having cards at a base means that you are in control of those cards. You can only claim to have cards at a base if you are the one controlling them.
    • #image.jpg“Here”: When we say “here,” we’re referring to the base that the card currently occupies. If a base says “here,” it means the base itself. So, if we say “move a card here,” we mean move it to the base we’re talking about, unless we specify another destination.
    • #image.jpgIgnore an Ability: Ignoring a base’s ability means that we don’t follow the base’s instructions, we’re not bound by its restrictions, and our cards are not affected or protected by its ability.
    • #image.jpgDuring the Game: When we talk about cards being “in play,” we mean they are on the table. This could be an active base, a card on an active base, or a card on a minion. The moment a card touches the table, it’s considered in play, even if its ability hasn’t been used yet. Cards that are in your hand, deck, discard pile, or set aside, or still in the box, are not in play.
    • #image.jpgIn the box: When we say a card is “in the box,” it means that it has been completely removed from play. You treat it as if it doesn’t exist for the entire game.

    I’m going to put my own spin on this text, while keeping its main points intact. So, let’s get started!

    May: When I say “You may do X,” it means you can do X if you want to, but it’s not required. If I say “You may do X and Y,” then you have to either do both X and Y, or none at all. You can’t choose only one of them.

    Move: This is when you move a minion or titan from one base to another. You can also move any cards or counters that are on it. Keep in mind that moving a card doesn’t count as playing it. And abilities that trigger when you play cards won’t activate when you move a card.

    On Your Turn: This refers to the normal Play Cards phase of your turn. You can only do it once per turn, unless specifically stated otherwise. So, make the most of your turn when it’s your time to shine!

  • #image.jpgKeep Going: Abilities often come and go quickly, but not ongoing ones. If an ability is ongoing, it stays active as long as it’s in play. It can also trigger at a different time while it’s in play. Keep in mind that ongoing abilities don’t work when the card is in your hand, deck, or discard pile.
  • #image.jpgChoose Only One: When you see “X OR Y” written in all caps as “OR,” it means you have to choose between X or Y. Unfortunately, you can’t have both. So, make your pick and stick to it!
  • #image.jpgOther Players: Simple enough, right? “Other players” refers to everyone except you. Keep that in mind as you make your moves.
  • #image.jpgOwner: The person who had the card at the beginning of the game. Monsters and treasures don’t belong to anyone.
  • #image.jpgPlace: This allows you to move a card in a way that is not covered by other terms. For example, you can move a card from a base to the bottom of your deck, or from the discard pile to your hand.
  • #image.jpgPlay: You play a card when it is one of the free cards you receive during the Play Cards phase, or when an ability specifically mentions that you are playing it. A card’s ability occurs when you play it. Moving, placing, returning, or transferring cards does not count as playing them and their abilities do not occur.
  • Player’s abilities: When we talk about player’s abilities, we are referring to the special powers and actions that they can use in the game. These abilities can be found on the cards that the player controls, such as minions, actions, and titans. It’s important to note that abilities don’t extend to the players themselves; they are tied directly to the cards they have in play.

  • #image.jpg
  • #image.jpgSame Name: When two or more cards have exactly the same title, they are considered to have the same name. For example, a group of Ninja Acolytes all have the same name, but a Ninja Acolyte and a Ninja Master do not. Even a single card is considered a group with the same name.
  • #image.jpgSpecial: Special abilities occur in unique ways or at unusual times, as stated in the abilities themselves. For instance, they may activate on a card that is already in play, or in your hand or discard pile. When you play a card using a Special ability, it doesn’t count towards your free cards for the turn. If a Special ability must be played but its conditions are not met, the card is instead discarded.
  • Standard: A standard action is any action that doesn’t require you to play it on a specific card, like a base or a minion. It’s a simple action that you can use and then move on to the next thing. It doesn’t have any lingering effects or additional requirements. Starting: The starting value of a minion’s power or a base’s breakpoint is the value printed on the card before any modifications or adjustments. Normally, it’s the number you see on the card, but there are some cards that can change this value. It’s the base, unaltered value that you start with. Talent: A talent is a special ability that a card has. It’s an optional ability that you can choose to use during the Play Cards phase of your turn. You can only use a talent once during each of your turns, and you can use it at any point during the Play Cards phase. It gives you some extra flexibility and options during the game. There: Refers to the location just mentioned in the card text.

  • #image.jpgThis: Typically refers to the card itself. If it refers to another type of card like a minion with the text “this base,” it means the card of that type that it’s played on. In such cases, “this” has no meaning on a card that isn’t in play.
  • #image.jpgSome cards have this effect: “Do X to do Y” (for example, “Discard cards equal to a minion’s power to destroy it”). If you can’t complete X for any reason (like not having enough cards in hand), then you can’t do any part of X, or do Y either. If multiple cards tell you to do X to make something happen, you can’t use the same X for all of them. So, that’s how it works.
  • #image.jpgTransfer: This lets you move actions or power counters from one card to another. When you add counters to your cards (from the pool) or remove counters from your cards (to the pool), that’s not transferring. If the target of the transfer can’t be affected by effects, the transferred card or token is discarded instead.
  • When: “When scoring” means when we are giving out points. But when we say “when X,” it means as soon as X starts to happen. This usually means we are interrupting something that is happening. If there is nothing to interrupt, “when X” is the same as “after X.” If we made a mistake, and “when X” doesn’t interrupt anything, then we messed up.
    #image.jpg
    While: Usually, “while X” means as long as X is true. For example, “while scoring” means anytime during the time when we’re scoring. This starts from when we choose a base to score and ends when we discard it and pick a new base.
    #image.jpg

    You: When it comes to playing the game Smash Up, it’s important to understand some key terms. Let me break them down for you:

    • #image.jpgYou: “You” refers to the player who controls a minion, action, or titan card. When it comes to a base card, “you” can mean any player, usually the current one.
    • #image.jpgYour: When we talk about “your” cards, we mean the ones you have in play, regardless of their faction or deck.

    Now that you have a better understanding of these terms, you’ll be ready to conquer the game. Happy playing!

    Smash Up

    Do you like mixing things up and creating chaos? Well, you’re in luck because have I got a game for you! It’s called Smash Up, and it’s a wild and wacky card game that lets you combine different factions to create your own unique and powerful deck.

    In Smash Up, there are various factions to choose from, each with its own special abilities and strategies. From the sneaky ninjas to the mighty dinosaurs, you can mix and match factions to your heart’s content. Want to have a horde of zombie pirates? Go for it! Or how about a team of robot aliens? The possibilities are endless!

    Once you’ve chosen your factions, it’s time to start smashing. The goal of the game is to take control of bases by playing cards and unleashing your faction’s special abilities. It’s a race to see who can score the most points before the bases break and new ones replace them.

    What makes Smash Up really exciting is the interaction between the factions. Each faction has its own unique playstyle, and when you combine them, you can create some seriously powerful combos. Maybe the trickster fairies can help the robot dinosaurs take over a base, or the zombie wizards can control the horrific creatures of the night. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless.

    But be careful – Smash Up is not just about luck and chaos. It also requires strategy and careful planning. You need to think about which factions work well together and how to best utilize their abilities. Sometimes it’s better to play defensively and build up your forces, while other times you need to go all out and unleash a devastating attack. It’s a delicate balance, and one wrong move can cost you the game.

    So if you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, chaos, and creativity, then Smash Up is for you. It’s a game that will keep you on your toes and leave you wanting more. The only question is, which factions will you choose to smash up? The choice is yours, but be prepared for a wild and unpredictable ride. Get ready to mix it up and let the chaos begin!

    Smash Up: Bigger Geekier Box (Renewed)

    Hey there! I wanted to talk to you about something super cool – the *Smash Up: Bigger Geekier Box*! It’s this awesome box that’s perfect for keeping all your *Smash Up* cards organized and safe. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

    Do you ever find yourself struggling to keep track of all your *Smash Up* cards? I know I do! With so many different factions and expansions, it can get pretty overwhelming. But fear not, because the *Bigger Geekier Box* is here to save the day.

    This box is designed specifically to hold your *Smash Up* cards, and it does it oh so well. With its spacious compartments and handy dividers, you’ll be able to neatly store all your cards in one place. No more searching through piles of cards or losing valuable playing time. It’s a game-changer, you guys.

    But the *Bigger Geekier Box* isn’t just about organization. It’s also about style. This box features a super cool design that will make all your friends jealous. And let’s not forget about the awesome illustrations on the cards themselves. They’re like little works of art, and they really bring the game to life.

    So, if you’re a fan of *Smash Up*, this box is a must-have. It’ll keep all your cards safe and sound, and it’ll elevate your gaming experience to a whole new level. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

    Welcome to Smash Up: Monster Smash!

    Play Monsters, Crush Opponents

    Hey there! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Smash Up: Monster Smash, a board game that will have you hooked from the start. At Ultra BoardGames, we’re passionate about sharing our love for board games with you, and this game is no exception.

    Our goal is simple – we want to provide you with all the information you need to fully enjoy your board game experience. From in-depth reviews and useful tips to strategy guides and rule explanations, we’ve got you covered. Our mission is to keep you engaged and informed.

    Smash Up: Monster Smash is a game that stands the test of time. Not only is it a classic, but it’s also built to last. The durable design ensures endless hours of monster-smashing fun. Once you experience the thrill of this game, you won’t be able to resist buying it. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

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