Step into the spotlight with Onstage, a thrilling trick-taking game that puts you in charge of a vibrant theater company vying to recruit the finest performers for your troupe. Each move is a clever strategy as you compete to win tricks and claim the best talent onstage! In this dynamic game, the trump suit is determined by the most valuable performers currently in the spotlight, and it can shift dramatically as you recruit and reorganize your lineup. With a deck of 36 beautifully illustrated cards, you'll find numbers ranging from 1 to 9 across four suits. Each suit features three performers, valued at 1, 2, and 3 points, representing the featured, supporting, and lead actors. But it’s not just about points! Cards numbered 1, 4, and 7 in each suit have special effects that allow you to manipulate the performers onstage and those waiting in line. This unique mechanic keeps the game fresh and opens up new scoring opportunities with every hand. As the rounds unfold, beware! If you find yourself as the only player without performer tokens at the end of a round, you'll snag all the performers currently onstage for that round’s score. Between rounds, keep one card to introduce strategic continuity, and return all used performers to the line behind the current lineup before beginning the next hand in the new turn order. Once every player has played an equal number of rounds, the player with the highest total score will claim victory. For those looking to include a partner in the fun, there's a two-vs-two team variant where teams combine their scores at the end of each round—but remember, no discussing hands during play! Gather your friends and get ready for an exhilarating evening of strategy, camaraderie, and theatrical flair with Onstage!
