Dale of Merchants – FAQ

Frequently asked questions

This page displays answers to frequently asked questions about the Dale of Merchants series.

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Note that this FAQ is for the new Dale of Merchants anniversary games, the old editions have their own FAQ.

Table of Contents

General questions

Do the stacks have to be built in order?

Yes. You must always start with the stack 1, continue with 2, then 3, and so on.

Are passive card effects mandatory?

No. Using a passive effect is always optional, but if you do choose to use one, then you have to follow the effects as closely as possible. By default, you can use each passive card effect once in each of your action phases, but some passives override this timing in their effect text.

Is it possible to combine two passive effects?

Yes, as long as the effects happen during the same time. For example, you can use Accordion ([squirrels] Squirrel 5), Stashing Vendor ([squirrels] Squirrel 1), and a single junk [junk] card to build your 8th stack. Accordion can be used as a 6 and Stashing Vendor allows the inclusion of junk [junk] cards.

If a passive card leaves my hand and I regain it during the same turn, may I reuse its effect?

Yes. You are not required, and sometimes even unable, to track if a specific card has been in your hand this turn or not.

Do I refill the market during my action phase if an effect removes cards from there?

Yes. You should always refill the market after each effect, but not during one.

If a card’s value is altered, can I use the new value of the card when building a stack in my stall?

Yes. If a card’s value is altered for any reason, you must use the new value for any actions you might use the card for, like building stacks and using it to purchase new cards from the market.

If a card’s value is altered by multiple effects, in which order do I apply the alterations?

Apply the alterations in the order in which the altering effects were played. For example, if you have a card valued 1 and first play Flashy Show ([macaws] Macaw 5) and follow it up with Practical Values ([penguins] Penguin 5), the card is first turned into a 2 and then into a 4. Playing the cards the other way around results in the value changing from 1 to 5 to 6.

Team rules

How do cards that affect stack building work in team games?

Both players build the stack together, and any effects that alter which cards can be included in the stack or their values affect both players.

Examples:

  • Flashy Show ([macaws] Macaw 5) applies +1 to your and your teammate’s card values.
  • If you or your teammate uses Stashing Vendor ([squirrels] Squirrel 1) to build, both of you can include junk [junk] in the stack.
  • If you or your teammate uses Nostalgic Item ([squirrels] Squirrel 3) to build, one of you may include a junk [junk] or animalfolk card of any set from your discard piles.
  • If you or your teammate uses Winter is Coming ([squirrels] Squirrel 5) to build, you may immediately build an additional stack with or without your teammate’s help.
  • If your teammate has Snack ([beavers] Beaver 2) in their schedule, and you build together, one of you chooses a card from the market and places it into their hand.
  • If you or your teammate uses Stove ([penguins] Penguin 4) to build, both of you can spend for the effect.

[ocelots] Lucky Ocelots

I played Gamble ([ocelots] Ocelot 5), rolled a 3, and have only 1 card in hand. How many cards do I get from the other player?

You get one card because you only had one card. Whenever a card effect asks you to exchange cards, they must be exchanged one for one.

[chameleons] Adapting Veiled Chameleons

If I toss a card from the top of the supply with Good Old Times ([chameleons] Chameleon 3) and it also happens to be Good Old Times, can I toss another card?

Yes. The Good Old Times in your hand is now a fresh copy of the other Good Old Times on the top of the bin.

[turtles] Enthusiastic Wood Turtles

Can I Finish turtle cards in the same turn they are played?

Yes, if the card has a bonus action icon [plus]. The only turtle card without the icon is Collector's Desire ([turtles] Turtle 2).