Modern Art FAQ

36 questions players ask · Updated Nov 7, 2026 · Full rulebook

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Setup and Components Running Auctions Auction Types Double Auctions Ending the Round Selling to the Bank Later Rounds and Artist Values Winning the Game Three-Player Mystery Variant

Setup and Components

How much money does each player start with?
How many paintings does each artist have in the deck?
What happens if the draw deck runs out before round 4?

Running Auctions

Can you skip your turn without auctioning a painting?
Does the winner of an auction auction next?
Can you bid more money than you have, or go into debt?
Where do paintings I win go, and who gets the payment?
What happens if nobody bids on a painting?
Can players make change with the bank when paying?

Auction Types

Can the Auctioneer close an Open auction early?
Can I bid again in a One Offer (once around) auction after being outbid?
How are ties for the highest bid in a Hidden auction broken?
Do losing bidders pay in a Hidden auction?
Can I name a Fixed Price I cannot afford?
In a Fixed Price auction, who gets the painting if several players want it?

Double Auctions

Can I play a Double Auction card without adding a second painting?
Can a second Double Auction card be added to a Double Auction card?
Who gets the money when another player adds the second card to my Double Auction?
Who goes next after a Double Auction is completed by another player?

Ending the Round

When does a round end?
Does the fifth painting that ends the round count for ranking the artists?
What happens to the fifth painting after the round ends?
Why isn't the fifth painting auctioned?
What happens when a Double Auction card is the fifth card, or the second card completes the fifth?
Do I keep unplayed cards at the end of a round?
Who starts the next round?

Selling to the Bank

How are ties between artists broken when ranking them?
What if fewer than three artists had paintings played in a round?
Do I have to sell all my paintings at the end of a round?
Are discarded cards face up, and can I look through them?

Later Rounds and Artist Values

How many cards are dealt before each round?
Do earlier-round artist values still add up if an artist missed a round?
What if all players run out of cards before round 4 ends?

Winning the Game

What if two players tie for the most money?

Three-Player Mystery Variant

Is the Mystery Player variant required for three players?
Who decides whether to reveal a mystery card?