DEAD DROP

A trick-taking game of secret communication and covert operations

Overview

Teams use trick-taking to build coded messages, revealing hidden missions only when they can complete them. Success unlocks new elements and drives the game forward.

Components

Setup

1. Players: 2 (co-op), 4 (2 teams), or 6 (3 teams)
2. Initial Layout: Place 3-4 locations, 2-3 POIs, deal objects to rooms
3. Mission Setup: Each player draws 1 random card from Mission A and B decks (face down)
4. Hands: Each player gets 2 Mission A + 2 Mission B cards as their hand

Round Structure

1. Message Building

Each player adds 1 card from their hand to the shared message area, choosing orientation (word showing) or face-down (symbol showing).

2. Deal Trick Cards

• Deal remaining trick cards evenly
• Each player gets 2 special suit cards

3. Trick-Taking

Play standard trick-taking (follow suit if possible). When a player cannot follow suit, their played card is automatically added to the shared message area, with the player choosing its orientation (word showing or face-down for symbols).

Message Building: Off-suit cards become messages - use this strategically to communicate with your partner or disrupt opponent communications!

Board Actions: Players may take one action on their turn:

• Movement: Move a POI or your team meeple to an adjacent location
• Pick up object: Take an object card from your current location and place it on your player board
• Drop object: Place an object from your player board at your current location
• Attempt mission: Reveal and attempt to complete one of your missions

4. Mission Attempts

Teams may attempt missions by revealing them if they believe requirements are met:

• Required elements must be in same location
• Mission placer cannot reveal their own mission
• All revealed missions are resolved (success = points, failure = equipment)

5. Expansion & Refresh

After successful missions, those teams add new elements (locations/POIs) with their token and shuffle corresponding cards into their Mission deck.

Replace all resolved missions with new ones from hand.

Communication

• Words: Use exact matches or creative interpretations (MOSQUITO = bug)
• Symbols: Standard symbols on card backs, unique symbols on fronts
• Face-down: Shows back with directional words and 3 symbols
• Blank corner: One corner on card back has no symbol (no useful message)

Winning

• Competitive: First team to 9 points, or highest score when any team makes their 5th attempt
• Co-op: Complete 3 missions within the round limit

Equipment

Failed missions become equipment cards with special abilities:

• Movement: Relocate POIs or objects between rooms
• Removal: Remove POIs or locations from play (making missions easier)
• Communication: Extra message cards or symbol manipulation
• Timing: Play abilities during specific phases

Scoring

• 1 point per mission card
• +1 bonus if both mission cards completed
• Failed missions become equipment for future rounds