Collect, Swap & Show

Round setup and the three phases of Stamp Swap.

Round setup

Shuffle the event deck and reveal one event per player, covering each lower event’s text as shown in the rulebook. The visible symbols make a shared pool: take one corresponding stamp or attendee for each symbol. Some stamps start face up, others face down; attendee cards are face up. Follow the top event’s instruction for the whole round.

Collect

Beginning with the first player and going clockwise, select one pool item and put it in the next numbered Daily Collection space. Repeat until each player has six. You may privately view a facedown stamp when taking it. Specialist abilities are live from the moment you collect them. If the first-player token remains, the last player to take an item claims it; it is not one of their six swappable items.

Swap

Each player simultaneously reserves one item; rare stamps cannot be reserved. Split all remaining items into two piles, each containing at least one. Once everyone is ready, the first-player token holder takes one pile from an opponent. That opponent puts their other pile with their own items and takes the next choice. If a player already took a pile, pass counterclockwise until reaching a player who has not chosen. A player with no opponent pile left keeps both of their own piles. Reveal facedown stamps when each player completes their choice. Specialists can trigger during this process, including when a pile containing them is selected.

Show

Place new cards beside your other attendee cards. Place stamps upright into empty spaces without moving earlier stamps. Every stamp must be placed if it fits; otherwise discard it and gain or lose its printed value immediately. Score exhibitor, first-player token if held, and one contest card not marked by your tickets. Put a ticket on the contest you scored.

Round transition

Discard the top event and remaining pool items, return the other splayed events to the event deck, and advance the phase token. At the start of a new day, set up another event pool. After Sunday’s Show, score the Final Show.

Specialist timing

A newly acquired specialist works immediately and stays active while in your area: in your Daily Collection, reserve, a pile, or permanent collection. When another player takes a pile containing your specialist, its effect may trigger for both owners in that instant; see the designer clarification.