Fox in the Forest Duet: Trick Movement, Gems & Forest Tokens
Detailed examples and explanations for a specific rules question.
This focused reference supplements the complete game guide with additional explanations and worked examples.
How the trick winner is chosen
The leader plays a card, and the follower must match its suit if possible. A trump-suit card beats a non-trump card; otherwise the higher card of the lead suit wins. The decree determines trump and may be changed by a card effect.
Movement is not the card’s rank
After each trick, add the fox footprint symbols on both played cards. Move the team token that number of path spaces toward the person who won the trick. Card rank matters for winning; footprints matter for distance.
A concrete movement example
Suppose the leading player’s card displays one footprint and the follower’s displays two. If the follower wins, the token travels three spaces toward the follower, not a number equal to either played card’s rank.
Collecting Gems
If the token finishes movement on a path space connected to a Gem location, collect one Gem there. Landing without moving can also collect one when the total footprint value is zero. Passing beside a Gem is insufficient.
Overshooting the path
When the calculated move would go beyond the last uncovered path space, return the marker to the central start space and cover the end space with a Forest token. This shrinks the usable board for later tricks. Running out of Forest tokens on a required reset loses the game.
The three-round limit
The deck has thirty cards: eleven go to each player and a decree reveals trump for a round. After eleven tricks, add five Gems to the specified spots, shorten the path and reshuffle for the next round. Collect all twenty-two Gems before the end of round three.
Strategy: shape the destination
Winning a trick can be a bad move if its footprints carry the marker beyond the edge. Consider both possible winners and the combined movement; playing your strongest card does not always help.
Communication reminder
You may discuss general plans, but not identify specific cards held or reveal cards to your teammate. Use the publisher’s card-specific ability text whenever it changes normal following, movement or trump.
Rules source and transparency
Original published rules reference. Explanations are independently written and do not claim personal playtesting. Editorial policy.