Callisto: The Game
Callisto: The Game Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Contents
- 52 cardboard pieces (13 each in 4 colors)
- 12 cardboard columns (3 each in 4 colors)
- 3 game frames (made up of 4 large parts and 8 small parts, for 2, 3, and 4 players)
- 1 rulebook
Objective
The aim is to place all of your own pieces within the given play area, and if possible to block your fellow players from doing the same. Any playing pieces that cannot be placed by the end of the game count points equal to their value. The player with the fewest points wins.
Setup
Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding 13 pieces and 3 columns made of cardboard. The game frame is laid out in the middle of the table according to the number of players:
- 2 players: Assemble the four large parts of the game frame so that a play area of 10 x 10 squares is created.
- 3 players: Insert one small part of the game frame on each side; the play area is 12 x 12 squares.
- 4 players: Insert two small parts of the game frame on each side; the play area is 14 x 14 squares.
Game Play
The youngest player begins. Play then proceeds clockwise.
In the first two rounds, players place one column each, in turn, into the play area. A column may be placed anywhere, but it must touch the game frame, and a column may not be placed directly next to another column.
From then on, pieces must be placed in the play area directly next to one of your own columns or one of your own pieces. Pieces must not be placed corner to corner — they must be placed side by side.
- Placing a piece side by side, touching a piece of your own color along a full edge, is correct.
- Placing a piece so it only touches corner to corner is wrong.
On any turn, instead of placing a piece, a player may place their third column. This third column may be placed anywhere, as long as it touches the game frame or is directly adjacent to a piece of any color. The column may not be directly adjacent to another column.
End of the Game
If a player can no longer place a piece, they are eliminated from that game. The game ends as soon as no player can place any more of their own pieces in the play area.
Afterward, all players add up the points on their remaining, unplaced pieces. If a player's third column is left over unplaced, it does not count for points. The player with the fewest points wins. In case of a tie, the player who took their turn later in the round order wins.
Penalty Points
Each unplaced piece is worth points equal to the number of squares it covers. For example: a 2-square piece left over is worth 2 points; a 3-square piece and a 5-square piece left over together are worth 3 + 5 = 8 points; two 4-square pieces and a 5-square piece together are worth 4 + 4 + 5 = 13 points; a 3-square piece and two 4-square pieces together are worth 3 + 4 + 4 = 11 points.
As many games are played as there are players, with a different player beginning each time. At the end, all points from every game are added up. The player with the fewest total points wins.
© Dr. Reiner Knizia, 2014. © Sophisticated Games, 2014.
If you have any questions or suggestions about "Callisto," please contact: Wiener Spielkartenfabrik, Ferd. Piatnik & Söhne, Hütteldorfer Straße 229-231, A-1140 Wien.