Your First Match (0 to 1)

Welcome to the Phalanx Duel battlefield. This walkthrough will show you what actually happens during your first few turns.

The Objective

Your goal is simple: Reduce your opponent’s Core (LP) to 0, or neutralize all of their deployed units.

Step 1: Initialization

Both players receive a Hand of 12 cards.

• Players alternate deploying one card at a time onto their 4x2 grid.
• Build a wall of defense while positioning high-value cards for tactical advantage.
• Once all 8 slots are occupied, you will have exactly 4 cards remaining in your hand.

Pro Tip: Do not place your highest value card in the front rank where it is vulnerable. Position it in the back rank to create a second-wave attack vector.

Step 2: Combat Engagement

Turns alternate. During your turn, you will declare an attack.

1. Select Attacker: Choose a card in your Front Rank.
2. Target Column: You target an entire column, not an individual card.

Example Engagement:

• You attack with a 10 of Spades in your front rank.
• You target an enemy column. They have a 3 of Hearts in the front and a 4 of Clubs in the back.

The Cascade:

• Your 10 hits their 3 of Hearts. The 3 is neutralized (10 > 3).
• Remaining energy is 7 (10 - 3 = 7).
• That 7 “carries over” and hits their 4 of Clubs. The 4 is neutralized (7 > 4).
• Remaining energy is 3 (7 - 4 = 3).
• Because the column is breached, that 3 damage hits the opponent’s Core (LP).

Because your attacker was a Spade, that final Core damage is doubled! The opponent loses 6 LP.

Step 3: Reinforcement

After combat resolves, the defending column is breached. The opponent must use their Reinforcement Phase to deploy new cards from their hand into the empty slots.

• If they cannot fill the front rank, they leave a massive vector open for your next strike.
• At the end of the turn, players draw back up to their Hand Limit (4 cards).

System Ready

That is the core loop: Initialize, Attack, Resolve the Cascade, Reinforce.

As you play, you will discover how Suit Boundaries (Shields and Weapons) create dramatic tactical shifts. But for now, you are ready to engage.

Initialize Your First Match Now

After a few matches, consult the Road to Champion guide to level up your strategic depth.