pfff! ~Stay Stall~ — Official Rulebook

Version: v7.1 "Stay Stall"
Created by: Masaru
Last Updated: February 26, 2026
License: CC BY 4.0

The Story

In this world, there is only one Vampire.

To escape the Vampire's curse,
people form pairs and leave this world behind.

You are a "guide,"
tasked with helping people escape safely.

The one who helps all their people escape wins.

The Vampire is dangerous, but when it meets the Garlic,
its power is sealed, and both depart together.

When Dragon meets Flame, Dragon's Breath awakens the power of the wind.

When Ninja rides the Frog, Toad Jutsu grants the power of both Gust and Gate.

When Fox takes hold of the Gem, it receives blessings from the Cloud above.

You swap people in the Cloud,
sometimes shelter them behind Gates,
and aim to help everyone escape.

But when the wind blows,
Gates are destroyed, and those inside are taken.
Even empty Gates can be stolen by the wind.

However, if you also hold the wind,
you can counter Gust with Gust and protect your Gate.

Do not let your guard down even with an empty Gate.
If the wind takes it, that Gate is no longer yours.

The choice is yours.

1. Game Overview

This is a psychological Old Maid-style card game where you pair up Character cards and discard them, racing to be the first to empty your hand of all Character cards.

Gate cards let you exchange with the Cloud, while Gust cards enable stealing and defense, creating a game rich with bluffing and strategy.

Gates remain on the field even after retrieval, so the threat of Gust persists until the end, keeping tension high throughout the game.

2. Basic Information

Recommended Players: 2-5 (3-4 is optimal)
Recommended Age: 8+
Time per Game: Approx. 3-8 minutes (average 5-6 min)
Time per Set (3 games): Approx. 15-20 minutes

Set Play is Standard

Score Mode (set play) is the standard rule.
Playing multiple games evens out the luck factor
and demands more strategic play.

3. Card Composition (54 cards total)

Three Card Back Colors

All cards have different back colors depending on their tier.
This lets you identify a card's tier even when face-down.

The accent color also appears on the top banner of the card face,
so you can infer the back color even when looking at the front.

Mob (21 cards, 1 point each)

A tier of animals and common folk. Many cards make pairs easy to form.

Note: Gem (BAL) is in the Legend tier but is worth 1 point.

Elite (15 cards, 5 points each)

A tier of powerful beings. High point values mean high penalty risk.

Legend (6 cards, points vary)

Beings of legend. Most exist as single copies and hold the key to Effect Pairs.

Gate Cards (6 cards)

• ⛩️Gate: 6 cards

Gust Cards (6 cards)

• 🌀Gust: 6 cards — Steal / Counter

Gate and Gust cards are not Character cards and cannot form pairs.
Gate and Gust have the same Purple back as Legend cards.

4. Pair Rules

Normal Pairs

Two cards with the same name form a pair

• Penguin + Penguin, Lion + Lion, etc.
• Ninja + Ninja is also a normal pair (no special effect)

Note: The following cards exist as single copies, so same-name pairs are impossible:

• Dragon, Flame, Vampire, Garlic, Frog, Gem, Fox

Effect Pairs

Different cards pair together and trigger a special effect

Effect Pair Rules:

• The effect triggers immediately when the pair is formed
• If the Discard Pool has fewer cards than the maximum, take as many as available (may be 0)
• Recovered cards can be used immediately

Fox + Gem (Fox's Deal) — Detailed Rules

The key point: it is an "exchange"

1. Fox + Gem pair is formed
2. The pair cards (Fox and Gem) are placed on Cloud
3. Choose up to 2 cards that were originally on Cloud and add them to your hand
4. You cannot take the Fox or Gem you just placed (because it is an exchange)

Discard Pool

When cards enter the Pool:

• Gust cards: Enter the Pool when used (both attack and Counter)
• Gate cards: Enter the Pool when destroyed by a Gust card

When cards do NOT enter the Pool:

• When retrieving cards from a Gate: The Gate stays on the field (empty)

When cards leave the Pool:

• Recovered via Effect Pairs

Note: The Discard Pool is a game concept and does not need to be physically separated (you can manage it as a discard pile).

5. Game Setup

Set Preparation

1. Decide set conditions
   • Fixed game count: 3 or 5 games (recommended)
   • Target score: +50 points (optional)
   • Time limit: 20 minutes (optional)
2. Prepare a score sheet
   • Record each player's cumulative score
3. Determine first player
   • First game: Decide by rock-paper-scissors
   • Subsequent games: Rotate clockwise

Individual Game Setup

1. Shuffle all cards thoroughly
2. Place 6 cards face-up from the deck as the "Cloud" in the center
   Any card type may appear on Cloud (Character / Gate / Gust)
3. Deal 7 cards to each player
4. If any pairs exist in the dealt hand, discard them (Effect Pairs trigger their effects)
5. Place the remaining cards face-down in the center as the draw pile

6. Game Flow

The game proceeds through two phases:

• Exploration Phase (while the draw pile remains)
• Old Maid Phase (after the draw pile is exhausted)

6.1 Exploration Phase (while the draw pile remains)

On your turn, perform the following steps in order:

1. Draw

Draw 1 card from the draw pile

2. Discard Pairs

If you have any pairs (normal or Effect Pairs), discard them
If it is an Effect Pair, the effect triggers immediately

3. Action (optional)

You may use 1 Gate card or 1 Gust card

6.2 Old Maid Phase (after the draw pile is exhausted)

On your turn, perform the following steps in order:

1. Draw

Choose any opponent and draw 1 card face-down from their hand

• Does not have to be the player to your right
• You can draw from any player
• Cannot draw from a player with 0 cards in hand

Pay attention to back colors!
During the Old Maid Phase, opponents' cards are face-down, but back colors reveal the tier:

• Burgundy = Mob (1-point cards)
• Navy = Elite (5-point cards)
• Purple = Legend / Gate / Gust

Whether you aim for the tier you want or deliberately choose another color is yet another layer of strategy.

2. Discard Pairs

If you have any pairs (normal or Effect Pairs), discard them
If it is an Effect Pair, the effect triggers immediately

3. Action (optional)

You may use 1 Gate card or 1 Gust card

7. How to Use Gate Cards

Basic Rules

• Exploration Phase: Gate cards can be used
• Old Maid Phase: Gate cards can be used
• Maximum 3 Gates per player on the field

⛩️Gate

Effect: Store 1 card from your hand in the Gate, then select 1 card from Cloud and store it in the same Gate

Features:

• Contents are revealed (public)
• Can be retrieved from your next turn onward
• Can be destroyed and contents stolen by Gust cards
• Can be defended with a Counter
• Destroyed Gate cards go to the Discard Pool

How to use:

1. Play a Gate card from your hand onto the field
2. Choose 1 card from your hand and place it on the Gate face-up
3. Choose 1 card from Cloud and place it in the same Gate (not in your hand) — face-up

Cards Inside a Gate

• Cards placed in a Gate are not part of your hand (not counted for hand size or penalty calculation)
• On your turn, as your Action, you may retrieve 1 card from your Gate and add it to your hand
• After retrieval, the Gate remains on the field (empty)
• You cannot re-store on the same turn you retrieved; re-storing is possible from your next turn onward

Retrieving from a Gate

As your turn's "Action," you may take 1 card from your own Gate

• Only possible from the turn after placement (not on the placement turn)
• The retrieved card returns to your hand
• The Gate card stays on the field (empty)

Re-storing in an Empty Gate

You can store cards again in an empty Gate

Conditions:

• Re-storing is possible from your next turn onward (not on the turn you retrieved)

Procedure:

1. Select your empty Gate
2. Choose 1 card from your hand and place it on the Gate face-up
3. Choose 1 card from Cloud and place it in the same Gate (Cloud exchange included)

Key Points:

• Cloud exchange occurs just like with a new placement
• By utilizing empty Gates, you can perform Cloud exchanges without consuming additional Gate cards

8. How to Use Gust Cards

Basic Rules

• Exploration Phase: Gust cards can be used
• Old Maid Phase: Gust cards can be used
• Can be used for both attack and defense (Counter)
• Used Gust cards go to the Discard Pool

🌀Gust — Stealing

Effect: Destroy an opponent's Gate and steal the contents

Usage Conditions:

• An opponent has a Gate on the field (with contents or empty)

How to use (Gate with contents):

1. Choose the target Gate
2. The opponent decides whether to Counter (see below)
3. If not countered:
   • The Gate is destroyed and goes to the Discard Pool
   • The cards inside are added to your hand
   • The used Gust card also goes to the Discard Pool

How to use (empty Gate):

1. Choose the target empty Gate
2. The opponent decides whether to Counter
3. If not countered:
   • The Gate card itself is added to your hand (stolen)
   • The used Gust card goes to the Discard Pool

Counter

When attacked by a Gust card, you can play a Gust card from your hand to negate the attack

Activation Conditions:

• Your Gate is being attacked by a Gust card (with contents or empty)
• You have a Gust card in your hand

Counter Flow:

1. Player A attacks Player B's Gate with a Gust card
2. Player B declares "Counter" and plays a Gust card from their hand
3. Both Gust cards go to the Discard Pool
4. The Gate and its contents remain intact (attack negated)

Important Rules:

• Counter is optional (you can choose not to Counter even if you have a Gust card)
• No counter to a Counter (resolved in one exchange)
• If no Counter is played, the steal proceeds as normal

Strategic Value of Gust Cards

Gust cards are a valuable resource that can be used for both attack and defense.

Strategic Considerations:

• Choosing between stealing an empty Gate or targeting one with contents
• Deciding whether to Counter to protect an empty Gate
• Gates remain on the field, so Gust retains high value until late game

9. Cloud System

What is the Cloud?

A shared area where 6 cards from the draw pile are placed face-up at the start of the game.

Cloud Features

• Visible to all players
• Any card type may be present (Character / Gate / Gust)
• Can be exchanged when using Gate cards
• The number of cards may change during the game

Cloud Exchange (during Gate actions)

When using a Gate card (both new placement and re-storing):

1. Place 1 card from your hand on the Gate (face-up)
2. Choose 1 card from Cloud
3. The chosen card goes into the Gate, not your hand (face-up)

Cloud exchange is "updating/swapping Gate contents," not "adding to your hand."

10. Going Out and End Conditions

Going Out (Win)

When, during your turn, through any actions (discarding pairs / retrieving from Gates / Gust cards, etc.),
all Character cards in your hand (including Vampire and Garlic) reach 0,
that player goes out (wins).

Important:

• It must be during your own turn
• Cards inside Gates are not part of your hand, so they are not counted for the win condition
• You go out as soon as the Character cards in your hand reach 0

Game End

The moment any player goes out,
the game ends immediately.

11. Scoring (Score Mode)

How to Calculate Scores

The player who goes out:

• Gains the sum of all other players' penalties (takes all)

Players who did not go out:

• Penalties are calculated based on cards remaining in their hand
• Cards inside Gates do not count as penalties (they are not in your hand)

Point Values Table

Penalties apply only to cards remaining in hand

12. Strategy Guide

Basic Strategy

1. How you use Gust cards is the key

• Attack or save for defense?
• Keep one for Counter to protect high-value cards (Dragon, Vampire, etc.)
• For low-value cards, it may be worth letting them be stolen

2. Place Gates aggressively

• Statistically, players who place more Gates tend to win
• Use Cloud exchanges to swap Gate contents and complete pairs
• You can defend with Counter, so don't be afraid to place Gates

3. Utilize empty Gates

• Re-storing in empty Gates lets you perform Cloud exchanges without spending Gate cards
• However, empty Gates risk being stolen by Gust
• Time your re-storing carefully

4. Read your opponent's Gust cards

• Try to guess whether opponents hold Gust cards
• If they likely do, hold back on attacks
• If they likely don't, attack aggressively

5. Aim for Effect Pairs

• Actively pursue Dragon + Flame, Vampire + Garlic, Ninja + Frog
• Use recovered cards to gain further advantage

6. Use back colors strategically (Old Maid Phase)

• Infer the tier from opponents' card back colors
• Target the tier color most likely to complete your pairs
• Purple may be Gate or Gust as well, so proceed with caution

Advanced Strategy

1. Counter Decision Framework

• High-value cards (5+ points) = Counter recommended
• Low-value cards (1 point) = Consider letting them go
• Late game when Gust cards are scarce = Decide carefully
• Protecting an empty Gate = Depends on the situation (see below)

Empty Gate Counter Decision Examples:

2. Attacking Empty Gates

• When you have no Gate cards = High value in stealing an empty Gate
• When you want to disrupt opponent's re-storing = Steal the empty Gate
• When a Gate with contents is available = That may be the better target

3. Bluffing

• Acting confident even without Gust cards can deter opponents from attacking
• Conversely, appearing vulnerable when holding Gust can bait an attack

4. Attack Timing

• Right after an opponent uses their Gust card is a prime opportunity
• Attacks in late game are more likely to succeed
• Target cards that complete your pairs (only attack when the gain is certain)

5. Reading Back Colors (Advanced)

• Opponent has many Burgundy cards = Holding many Mob cards (odd pairs?)
• Navy visible = Holding 5-point cards (opportunity or threat)
• Purple visible = Could be Legend, Gate, or Gust (high uncertainty)
• Prioritize drawing the tier color that matches the pairs you need

6. Winner Characteristics (Based on Statistics)

• More Gate placements = Leveraging Cloud exchanges
• More acquisitions from Cloud = Efficiently swapping Gate contents
• Skilled Counter play = Effective defensive use of Gust
• Fewer Gust attacks = No wasted attacks

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. When can I declare a Counter?
A. Declare it immediately after being attacked with a Gust card. As soon as the attacker announces "I attack this Gate," respond with "Counter" and play your Gust card.

Q2. Can you Counter a Counter?
A. No. Counters are resolved in one exchange. Attack then Counter settles it.

Q3. Can I choose not to Counter even if I have a Gust card?
A. Yes. Counter is optional. For low-value cards, deliberately letting them be stolen to save your Gust card is a valid strategy.

Q4. What happens to both Gust cards during a Counter?
A. Both go to the Discard Pool. They can be recovered via Effect Pairs (Dragon + Flame, etc.).

Q5. What happens to the Gate card when I retrieve cards from it?
A. The Gate card remains on the field (empty). It does not go to the Discard Pool unless destroyed by Gust.

Q6. When can I re-store in an empty Gate?
A. From your next turn onward. You cannot re-store on the same turn you retrieved.

Q7. Does re-storing in an empty Gate include a Cloud exchange?
A. Yes, it does. Just like a new placement, you can store 1 card from Cloud in the Gate.

Q8. What happens when you attack an empty Gate with Gust?
A. You steal the Gate card itself. The Gate card goes into the attacker's hand.

Q9. Can you Counter an attack on an empty Gate?
A. Yes, you can. Empty Gates can be defended with Gust cards. If countered, the Gate remains on the field.

Q10. When do Effect Pair abilities trigger?
A. They trigger instantly when the pair is discarded. Recovered cards can be used immediately that turn.

Q11. What if the Discard Pool has no cards when an Effect Pair triggers?
A. You take as many as available. If there are 0 cards, the pair is consumed with no effect.

Q12. What if Cloud is empty when Fox + Gem is played?
A. The pair cards (Fox and Gem) are placed on Cloud, but nothing is gained. Your hand simply loses 2 cards.

Q13. Can I take back the Fox or Gem I just placed on Cloud?
A. No. Since it is an "exchange," you can only take cards that were originally on Cloud.

Q14. When can I retrieve a card stored in a Gate?
A. From the turn after placement onward. You cannot retrieve on the same turn you placed it.

Q15. What if Cloud runs out of cards?
A. If Cloud is empty, using a Gate card does not let you take anything from Cloud (you simply store your card in the Gate).

Q16. Can I look at back colors to choose cards during Old Maid?
A. Yes, you can freely look and choose. Back colors are an important piece of game information. However, you cannot look at the front of an opponent's cards.

Q17. Where do cards taken from Cloud go?
A. They do not go to your hand. They are stored in the Gate you are currently using (face-up).

Q18. Can Gate or Gust cards appear on Cloud?
A. Yes, they can. Cloud cards are not restricted by type (Character / Gate / Gust may all appear).

14. Variant Rules

Recommended Presets

These are recommended presets based on simulation results from 1,000 games.
In the digital version, they can be switched with one tap in the settings menu.

Preset Details:

🏆 Strategic Mode (Recommended)

• 4 Cloud cards: Fewer options make each choice more meaningful
• Effect Pair activations average 19.6 per game (Standard is 16)
• Offense/defense ratio of 2.93 (close to ideal 3:1)
• Average 39.4 turns gives room for strategic planning

Fair Mode

• 7 Gate cards: Favors defenders, minimizes win-rate variance
• Recommended for mixed-skill tables or when there is a skill gap
• Synergizes with Counter for easier defense

Intense Mode

• 8 Gust cards: Frequent attacks and active Counters
• Counter rate of 12.8% (higher than Standard's 11%)
• Designed for thrilling matches between experienced players

Card Count Adjustments (Custom)

Simplified Version (Beginner / Ages 6-7)

Changes:

• Remove Gust cards (no Counter mechanic)
• No Cloud system (simply store in Gates)
• No Effect Pair abilities (treat as normal pairs)

15. Designer's Note

May this game bring smiles to people all around the world.

The meeting of Vampire and Garlic, a miracle that breaks the curse.

Dragon and Flame reunited, Dragon's Breath sweeping across the world.

Ninja riding Frog, Toad Jutsu carving a path forward.

Fox raising the Gem, bringing blessings from the Cloud above.

The wind is sometimes a threat, sometimes a shield.
That choice determines victory and defeat.

Even an emptied Gate can be filled with new life once more.
And there are those who steal it — that too is the power of the wind.

Within simple rules,
may deep strategy be born.

Created by: Masaru
Version: v7.1 "Stay Stall"
Last Updated: February 26, 2026
License: CC BY 4.0

Appendix: Card Reference

Character Card Quick Reference

Effect Pair Quick Reference

Special Card Quick Reference

Gate State Quick Reference

Card Back Color Quick Reference