Crescendo

Get ready for launch! In Crescendo, each person begins with a line of unknown, face-down Launch Cards. The goal is to arrange these cards from the smallest number to the largest before the rocket launches. During every turn, players draw a card either from the main Reserve or the discard stack, then exchange it with one in their personal row, or you can use the Special Action shown on top of the deck: look at a card, trade a card blindly with another player, or protect a card by turning it face up so no one can change it. While every card’s back hints at its numerical range, remembering what you have seen is the only way to be certain of its value.

The game keeps players on edge. If someone discards a card with a number close to one of yours, yell “NUMBER!” and quickly tap the pile to remove that card and gain a bonus point. Guess incorrectly, and you receive a penalty card instead. When you believe your row is correct, declare “CRESCENDO!” This gives all other players one final turn before Liftoff. Get your sequence right, and you score big! Make a mistake, and your launch fails. Play three Launches, and the player with the most points wins.