How to play SMART 10
Set up
Before I explain how to play Smart 10, let’s explore its physical aspects, what is included, and the purpose of each game element.
When we opened the box, here’s what we found inside: an instruction sheet and a bright orange plastic box. Simple as that!
The SMART 10 box
The SMART 10 box itself is the game, and it includes everything needed to play a round of SMART 10. It’s compact enough to slip into any purse or backpack, and you can even hold it with one hand, perfect for playing anywhere.
Question and answer cards
Question and answer cards are housed inside the Smart 10 box.
Let’s take out a card to show you its appearance:
The light gray area is the question section, which consists of 10 questions centered around the theme described in the central circle.
On the outer crown, a little darker gray, are the answers, which during a game are covered by black plastic caps as you will see in the following picture:
Plugs or markers
Plugs or markers are lifted during the game to verify whether the answers given by players are correct or not. They also serve as “points” accumulated throughout each round.
Score wheels
Score wheels are included in the Smart 10 box, featuring 8 markers in the corners with numbers and small wheels reminiscent of the mechanism used in suitcase lock combinations. Simple yet effective and very practical for keeping track of points earned in each round without relying on any external elements.
As you can see, the game’s design allows for gameplay anywhere, as players pass the box from hand to hand throughout a round. No table required. It’s perfect for relaxing on the couch, soaking up the sun at the beach, waiting at the airport, or even riding the train.
Data and set up
Number of players
SMART 10 is a game for 2 to 8 players aged 14 and up, although many questions are also suitable for children.
Selection of the symbol for the marker
Each player uses one of the 8 markers to keep track of their points. Each marker has a symbol — like a circle, double circle, square, or double square. Before the game starts, pick your marker, remember your symbol, and set your score to zero!
Decide the number of points to win
The standard to win a game of SMART 10 is 30 points, but you can make shorter games of 15 points or longer games of 50 points. It’s up to you.
Rounds and turns
SMART 10 is played in rounds. In each round, one player takes the first turn, and subsequent turns pass to the player on the left. The youngest player starts the very first turn of the game.
Goal of the game
Who will win?
The objective is to earn points by answering correctly while managing the risk of losing points by answering incorrectly.
Playing a game of a SMART 10 Game
Here’s how a round of SMART 10 is played
Placing the plugs
Before changing the card, make sure that all the plugs are in place, covering the answer holes.
Prepare the first card
With all the caps in place, you pop open the SMART 10 box and slide the first card to the last position, revealing a fresh card to kick off the next round.
Read the question
: The player with the first turn in the round reads the question aloud so that all players know what they are up against.
To answer…
or not!
Next, the player must decide whether to answer or pass. This decision is based on their knowledge and the level of risk they are willing to take.
If they decide to pass, they’re out for that card but keep any plugs they’ve earned so far in the round.
If you decide to answer, after doing so, lift the cap of the chosen answer and then….
If the answer is correct, they keep the plug.
If they miss, they lose all the points accumulated in that same round/card and are out of it.
This adds a fun layer of risk, making the game even more exciting. Only points accumulated in that round/card are lost, not those won in previous rounds/cards.
Next player
Whatever has happened, he will pass the SMART 10 box to the player on his left, who will act in the same way, choosing only the uncovered answers. As the round progresses, the game becomes increasingly challenging!
End of the round
The round ends when there are no more plugs to uncover or when all players have decided to pass.
Update scores
After the round, it’s time to update the score markers. Each player adds one point for every plug won in that round and adjusts their score wheel.
Next round
The first turn of the new round goes to the player on the left of the one who started before, and they are responsible for placing the plugs and revealing the new card.
End of the game. Who wins?
And the winner is…
The game continues, round after round, until, after a tally, one of the players manages to equal or exceed the agreed-upon points before the start of the game.
Types and Examples of Questions
Smart 10 includes different types of questions. In addition to the typical ones where you have to respond with a word or number, there are also true or false questions, ones where you have to name a color, and even questions where you need to order a sequence of concepts from highest to lowest.
Here are some examples:
And we won’t give any more spoilers! By the way, the game includes 100 double-sided cards, providing enough material for 200 rounds with a total of 2,000 possible answers.
Tips and Tricks for Playing SMART 10
Opening of the box
After each round, you’ll swap the question card by opening the box from the side. It can feel a little tricky at first, like it might break, but don’t worry, it’s built to last. Here are some tips.
If you look closely, on the corner of the side where you need to insert the lid,
there’s a notch. The lid has to go in at a 45-degree angle, sliding as shown in this image
Once it’s in, as you’ll see in the next photo, a gentle push is enough to fully insert it.
To open it, insert your finger into the central hole and pull it up and diagonally so that the lid follows the opposite path we explained before. You don’t have to pull only upwards or outwards, but diagonally. Do it fearlessly, and the lid will come off without breaking anything.
Buying guide and tips
You will find SMART 10 in stores specializing in board games, although the best price, and the best deals, are usually on Amazon.
