Smash Up: Monster Smash

Each player makes a 40‑card deck by shuffling together two different 20‑card factions; you may not put two copies of the same faction in one deck, although different players can use the same faction if you have multiple sets (page 3).

If your opening hand contains no minions you must show it, discard it, and draw a new five‑card hand, and you must keep that second hand (page 4).

A base is scored during the active player’s Check for Scoring step after playing cards; once scoring has begun it finishes even if the total power later drops below the breakpoint (pages 5 and 7).

All players tied for the best position each get the victory points for that best position (e.g., two players tied for first both get first‑place points); tied runner‑ups mean the next position is skipped — see pages 7–8.

Specials are abilities usable at unusual times and may be played whenever applicable (even on other players’ turns); Talents are optional once‑per‑turn abilities, and Ongoing abilities remain active while the card stays in play (pages 11, 10, and 12).

Some cards explicitly let you play cards from your discard pile as extra plays, anyone may look through any discard pile at any time, and when you need to draw with an empty deck you shuffle your discard to form a new deck (pages 10, 12, and 5).