Turn Structure

Playing the Game

Now that the game is set up, you're ready to begin. Sanguosha is a turn-based game, where each player takes their turn in the order they are seated around the table. However, you’re not limited to acting only during your turn—many abilities can activate during other players' turns, giving you the opportunity to either help them or interfere with their plans.

The King always takes the first turn. After that, the game proceeds to the right, continuing in this order for the remainder of the game. If your group wants to instead go to the left, don't worry; we won't tell.

Each player’s turn consists of six phases. These phases may involve multiple actions or nothing at all, depending on the situation. The phases are:

Beginning Phase
Judgment Phase
Drawing Phase
Action Phase
Discard Phase
Ending Phase

Beginning Phase

The Beginning Phase is mainly used for abilities that trigger at the start of your turn. This is where events that happen "at the beginning of your turn" take place. For example, Zuo Ci can use "Incarnation" during this phase to switch his abilities. Awakened abilities also activate here if they meet their conditions.

Judgment Phase

In the Judgment Phase, you resolve all pending cards placed on your character. These are handled in reverse order from how they were placed. Think of it like a stack—the last card added is the first one resolved. For instance, if Guan Yu has been targeted by Capture, Starvation, and finally has Lightning placed on him, he resolves the Lightning judgment first, followed by Starvation, and finally Capture. If there are no pending cards on a player, this phase is skipped.

Drawing Phase

This is where players draw cards. Normally, each player draws two cards, but some abilities may allow you to draw more or fewer cards.

If you’re under the effects of Starvation, you skip this phase and don't draw any cards at all.

Action Phase

The Action Phase is where most gameplay occurs. Players can use their cards or abilities here. They can play as many tool, basic, or equipment cards as they wish, but they are limited to one attack during this phase. Cards can be used in any order, allowing players to react to how others respond to their actions. There are no requirements in this phase—players can use all their resources or do nothing at all.

If a player is under the effect of Capture, they lose this phase and cannot take any actions.

Discard Phase

At the end of their turn, players may need to discard cards if they hold more than their health allows. Each player can keep cards up to their current health points. For example, if a player has 4 health, they can keep up to 4 cards. Players can keep fewer cards than their health but never more unless modified by an ability.

Ending Phase

The Ending Phase is similar to the Beginning Phase and is tied to abilities. This phase resolves anything that happens "at the end of your turn." For example, Cao Ren’s abilities might trigger during this phase.

Once all effects are resolved, the turn ends, and the next player starts their turn with their Beginning Phase.

With these phases, every turn in Sanguosha offers multiple layers of interaction and strategy, keeping each round dynamic and engaging.

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