How to Play Castle Combo: Messenger, Gold, Keys & 3×3 Tableau
Castle Combo is a nine-turn tableau builder. Each player recruits exactly nine characters from Castle and Village markets and arranges them into a 3×3 grid.
Scope: base game only, excluding Out of the Oubliette.
Start with Gold and Keys
Each player begins with the base-game starting resources. Gold pays character costs; Keys manipulate which market is available or refresh a row.
Optional: spend one Key
At the start of your turn, you may spend one Key to move the Messenger between Castle and Village or discard and refresh the three cards at the Messenger’s current location.
Recruit one character from the Messenger’s row
Pay the character’s Gold cost and take one of the three face-up cards from the market where the Messenger currently stands.
Place the card into your 3×3 tableau
Your first card starts the grid; later cards must be placed so the final tableau can become exactly three rows by three columns. Position matters because many scoring scrolls reference rows, columns, adjacent cards or shield types.
Resolve the immediate ability
After placement, resolve the card’s ability. Effects can provide Gold, Keys, discounts, face-down placement or other resources and interactions.
Update Messenger and refill
Some character banners move the Messenger. Refill the market so the next player again sees the correct face-up choices.
After nine characters, score
Once every player has a full 3×3 tableau, resolve purse scoring, character scoring scrolls and remaining Keys. Highest final total wins.
Publisher reference: Catch Up Games base rules. Checked September 21, 2026.