Delphi offers a unique experience that blends strategy and intuition. Learn how to play the game in a few simple steps.
| Number of players | 3 to 7 |
| Game length | 30 minutes |
| Game difficulty | Medium |
| What you need to play | A standard deck of cards, some chips |
If you enjoy Delphi, check out this list of the top games to play with a deck of cards.
Object of the Game
In Delphi, players take on the roles of an Oracle and Followers. The Oracle crafts a secret rule related to the cards themselves. The Followers’ task is to determine whether each played card adheres to the Oracle’s rule. Players aim to accumulate chips by making accurate judgments and decoding the Oracle’s hidden pattern. At the end of the game, the player with the most points emerges as the victor.
Setting Up the Game
Shuffle the deck of cards and place it face down in the center of the table. Flip the top card face up beside the deck. Designate one player as the Oracle for the first round; subsequent rounds will have different Oracles.
Playing the Game
The Oracle’s role is pivotal. They concoct a rule related to the cards, keeping it secret from the other players. For instance, a rule might be “if the previous card played was odd, the next card must be red.” This adds an element of mystery and strategy to the game, as players must decipher this rule based on the cards played.
The Oracle turns over each card from the deck one by one. After each card is revealed, the Followers must determine if the card adheres to the Oracle’s rule. Followers use cards marked with ‘yes/no’ to make their predictions, which remain concealed until all decisions are made. If a card follows the rule, it’s placed beside the previous card. If not, it goes above the last rule-adhering card, creating a visual sequence.
For correct predictions, Followers earn a chip, while incorrect ones lead to losing a chip (provided they have any). The round continues until all cards have been revealed and positioned according to the rule.
Winning the Game
The round ends, and Followers tally their chips to determine their points. The Oracle’s points are calculated differently: The Oracle earns points equal to the highest number of chips held by a single Follower minus the lowest number of chips held by any Follower. This scoring system fuels strategic choices for the Oracle, encouraging a balance between clarity and complexity in the rule.
An ideal game consists of a number of rounds equal to the players, ensuring each person gets a chance to be the Oracle. At the end of the final round, the player with the most points emerges victorious, showcasing their ability to unravel the Oracle’s enigmatic rule and make astute predictions.