Karnak Support
Welcome architects!
This is the FAQ for Karnak. If you have a question about play, see below for more information if we have answered it before. Otherwise try to reach out to us via our contact page, social media, or post on BoardGameGeek. We can then update that information below.
FAQ
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Where can I place pieces?
Karnak is meant to be organic- you can place pieces anywhere on the mat in just about any configuration, including on the illustrations. Several design cards reference these!
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What does it mean if a card does, or doesn't, say 'exactly'?
Any card that says exactly means it- no more and no less of that piece or structure with the given design card. However, any card that fails to specify 'exactly' is not concerned about extra of the piece, structure, or other design element.
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I feel like resources are pretty tight as the game ends. What's up with that?
The pieces are generally supposed to run out as the game comes to a close. This can increase tension and require some careful trickery to make a final few moves. However, players may prefer to simply shorten the Favor deck by five cards to have the game end slightly earlier.
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What if pieces run out?
As the game progresses, pieces become less and less common, and moving them (and turning them white) becomes the only option for adjusting the board. In the incredibly rare case of having no pieces to place or move, or players refuse to and just keep drawing for a whole round, end the game immediately.
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What does 'above' mean versus 'on top of'?
'On top of' references cards that involve pieces touching, like a cube stacked 'on top of' a cube. However, a couple of cards (lintels, portico) don't require physical contact, like the rod in portico don't have to touch the pieces it references.