Game Rules
EleusisGuess the Secret Rule

One player knows the rule, all others guess it by trial and error – those who ask receive penalty cards.

Players3 – 8
Duration25 – 40 min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
LevelChallenging
I · Game Concept

Deciphering a
Secret Rule

I

Eleusis is a deduction game: One player (the "God") invents a secret rule that determines which cards can be played. All others try to guess it through trial and error.

Unlike Mao, here you get clear feedback: correctly played cards remain on the table, incorrect ones are visibly marked as failed attempts.

II · Preparation

Before the
Game Begins

II
1
Determine God
One player becomes the "God" and invents a secret rule (e.g., "alternating red and black").
2
Deal Cards
Remaining players receive the rest of the cards evenly.
3
Place Starting Card
The God places a first card that fits the rule.
Before Starting

Pay attention to the pattern of the cards already played correctly – color changes, ascending values, or face card positions are common rule types.

III · Card Values
How Guessing
Works
III
✓
Correct
Stays on the table
If the played card fits the secret rule: it remains face up in the correct row.
✗
Incorrect
Marked sideways
If it doesn't fit: the card is placed visibly crosswise to the main row – a failed attempt.
?
Test Hypothesis
Own Assumption
Players may verbally state their own rule hypothesis and then specifically test it.
G
God Changes
After the Round
After each round, a new player becomes God and invents a new rule.
IV · Gameplay

Round by
Round

IV
1
Play a Card
Play a card from your hand that you believe is rule-compliant.
2
God Evaluates
The God places the card correctly (main row) or incorrectly (side row) – without explaining the rule.
3
Recognize Pattern
Deduce the rule from the correct and incorrect cards played so far.
4
Get Rid of Cards
Whoever understands the rule can strategically play matching cards and empty their hand faster.
5
Count Points
The first to get rid of all their cards gets the most points. The God gets points based on how long the rule remained undiscovered.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Eleusis inspired many later logic and deduction games.

E2
Eleusis Express
Simplified, faster version with shorter rules.
Z
Zendo
Related game using building blocks instead of cards, same basic principle.
∅
With Hints
Simplified variant: God may occasionally give small hints.
K
Complex Rules
For experienced groups: multi-level rules with conditions.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Specifically test your hypothesis with a card that distinguishes between two possible rules, instead of guessing randomly.

+

Observe the entire main row as a pattern, not just the last card played – many rules refer to sequences.

+

As God: invent a rule that is neither too simple nor too complex – the game thrives on the right level of difficulty.

+

Deliberately play a seemingly incorrect card if you can gain important information about the rule by doing so.

Common Mistakes
–

Only focusing on the last card played, instead of considering the entire pattern of the main row.

–

As God, choosing a rule that is too complicated or too trivial, making the game either unsolvable or pointless.

–

Playing too many cards without a clear hypothesis, instead of systematically gathering information.

–

Ignoring the failed attempts of other players – they provide just as valuable clues as your own.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Eleusis is logic in its purest form – with a normal deck, ready for challenging evenings.

View All Designs →
20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger groups and long game nights. To the product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. To the product
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