Playing a 12-Way Duel requires not only an understanding of the rules of the game, but the etiquette others expect you to demonstrate. This is a handy guide to the "unwritten" nuances that make for a successful Duel experience...
HAVE FUN - this should go without saying, but we all play to have fun. There will always be back-stabbing, early exits, and deceit...that's part of the game! But it should never be personal. We're all friends before and after the match - it should be the same while we play. If an unintentional mistake is made during the Duel, that's ok. We'll try to rectify it in an equitable way.
DEAD DUELERS CAN'T TALK - (except for Obi-Wan. JK). When you meet your demise in the game and your characters are off the board, you are free to continue watching the mayhem. However, you can't comment on the game play, suggest strategies, give advice to those still playing, etc. You're done. You had your chance but you fell short. Have a sidebar with another fallen comrade, speak in hushed tones, etc. Just make sure you are no longer impacting the strategies of others.
YOU CAN DISCARD A CARD AND DRAW A CARD - that's allowed. But it's discouraged! It can drag the game on unnecessarily. Duels require action! Again, the rules permit this for your two actions, but repeatedly doing it should make you feel shameful. FOR SHAME!
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU'LL DO BEFORE YOUR TURN - again, the goal is to have a good pace in the game. Duels should end in three hours or less, but when they go longer it's often because folks weren't thinking about their next move before it's their turn. Don't be that Dueler.
TREAT THE GAME PIECES AND CARDS GINGERLY - Epic Duels is out of print. Finding a new copy on eBay can easily run you $50 to $100. Don't throw dead figurines across the table. Don't bend the cards in your hand. Avoid having liquids on the game table. Make sure your hands are clean-ish after grubbing on some snacks. Respect the game.
NO PREARRANGED ALLIANCES - 12-Way Duels have a major social component. Many choose to work or align with others to make it further in the game. This makes sense. But in order to make it fair for everyone, forming alliances should occur in the presence of the other Duelers. Subtlety is of course encouraged, and over time you'll gravitate towards working with some Duelers more than others, but wait until the game starts before committing to others.
REQUESTING A CARD COUNT - if a competitor asks how many cards are in your hand, our unwritten rule is that you share the number. You don't have to advertise how many/few cards are in your hand at all times, but if they ask you respond. They'll do the same for you. Also - make sure you never have more than ten cards in your hand! That's an actual rule that frustrates others when it's violated.
NO TEXTING - subtle communication with a partner or alliance member is important, but you have to make the attempt in the presence of others. Put your cell phone away!
PLAY TO WIN - the goal of a 12-Way Duel is to topple eleven other Duelers on your way to victory. Don't play for rankings. Don't give up until your damage indicator is in the red. You're occupying a seat somebody else wanted. Give it your best effort!
ANNOUNCE YOUR ACTIONS - "For my first action I'm drawing a card. For my second action I'm playing this card..." Duelers will occasionally forget how many actions they've taken on their turn, and they'll swear they still have an action left. It's unintentional, but it can usually be avoided if you're verbal with your moves.
DON'T FAKE AN ATTACK - less scrupulous Duelers will fake an attack card face down at a possible target to see if they'll defend...or to see if they even have a defense card. That's incredibly bad form. If you stick a card out to attack, you need to commit to that action. You can't change the card if the other person chooses not to defend. If you declare an attack with your card down, but your intended victim talks you out of following through with the action, that's fine.
PRESERVE THE LEAGUE - 12-Way Duels require a lot of interested folks who return to the game for multiple matches. If a rookie has a terrible experience they're much less likely to play again. You don't have to take it completely easy on them, but you don't have to take advantage of them either. Help them out and teach them the ropes!
ALWAYS CLAP WHEN SOMEBODY DIES - it's courageous just to sit down at the table. Whether a Dueler finishes in last or second place, give them love. They feel less salty as their dreams are crushed.
LEAVE IT ON THE TABLE - just about everyone who dies in a 12-Way Duel got done dirty one way or another. Seeking revenge on that Dueler in your next game can be a little short-sighted. A new Duel is a new day. You have every reason to trust that person less next time and to learn from the tendencies of others, but again...remember the goal.
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