Space Trace

Space Trace is a 2-player game that uses one poker-sized card and one dry erase maker.

In Space Trace, you act as a starship exploring the universe! Players will take turns drawing either one or two lines along the dashed grid, attempting to create boxes to score points. A box is created when a fourth and final line is drawn along the final side of a box. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins!

Gameplay Overview

Gameplay occurs over several rounds. In each round, the lead player must select & perform one of two actions - scout or navigate. The unchosen action is performed by their opponent.

The scouting player goes first and draws 1 line - the navigating player goes second and draws 2 lines. After both players have completed their actions, a new round begins. The scouting player from the previous round becomes the lead player in the new round and selects between the two actions. Rounds repeat in this way until all line segments are drawn over.

Players are attempting to create boxes throughout the game. A box is created when a fourth and final line is drawn on the last side of a box. The player who drew the final line controls the box, and writes their initial inside it. At the end of the game, players score points for their empty boxes, their boxed planets, and any galaxies their boxes dominate!

Gameplay Features

1. Area Majority - The space grid is divided up into five galaxies (colored shaded areas). Players who control the most boxes in a galaxy score bonus points!

2. Area Control - Five planets are scattered across the galaxies - each planet is worth extra points to the player that is able to box it up!

3. Action Selection - Each action comes with a trade-off - going first might let you take advantage of an important area & secure a box before your opponent, but leaves your opponent with the opportunity to draw an extra line and potentially secure more space!

Space Trace is an entry in the Single Card Challenge Conest.

Overview Video