Goal: To play as many cards into the center pile as possible.
Set-up: Sort the cards into sets according to the colored Bibliology set markers, located in the top right corners. Each player is given a complete set of cards. Shuffle the cards well.
How to play: One player says ‘Bibliology’ and then all players race to play as many cards as possible into the center pile. The pile begins with Matthew and ends with Revelation. Cards can only be played in the exact order of the New Testament books of the Bible (see reference sheet).
Scoring: All the cards in the center pile are scored according to the colored Bibliology set marker. For each card a player manages to place in the center pile, one point is received. The player with the most points wins the game!
STANDARD PLAY
Goal: To complete an entire Testament set in sequential order by playing cards into the middle of the table.
Set-up: Choose one player to be the dealer. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals seven cards, face down to each player. Players hold their seven cards in such a way that other players cannot see them. Place the remaining deck face down in the center of the play area to become the draw pile. Turn the top three cards of the draw pile over and place them next to the draw pile to become the exchange pile.
Note: Bibliology set markers are irrelevant for standard play.
How to play: The youngest person plays first. Play continues in a clockwise direction.
1 Player: Complete the sequential order of cards before running out of cards on the draw pile.
2-3 Players: Each player will try to finish his/her own sequential order.
4 Players: Teams of two are formed based on the order of persons who managed to play the first set of three cards. Players one and three are grouped together, two and four are grouped together. Once the first three cards are played, the teams try to reach the goal together. However, no strategic communication should occur between team members throughout the game.
On your turn:
You may exchange up to three cards from the exchange pile.
Note: Before you exchange your cards, you may replenish the exchange pile with a new set of three cards from the drawing pile.
Draw three cards from the top of the draw pile and add to your hand.
Play cards.
You play cards by placing three sequential cards on the table next to each other or add cards to an already existing sequence of at least three cards.
You may play more than one set of three cards at a time during your turn.
If you cannot play a set of three cards or add onto an already existing sequence, end your turn.
At the end of your turn, ensure that seven cards are in your hand.
You may discard as many cards as you wish. If upon discarding, you have less than seven cards in your hand, draw additional cards for a total of seven.
Winner:
The first player or team to complete a sequential set wins the game!
