Game Overview
Ticker Tactics is a strategic card-based stock trading game where players compete to build the most valuable portfolio. Use Action Cards to manipulate stock prices, navigate unpredictable Risk Cards that simulate real-world market events, and make smart trading decisions to maximize your wealth.
Card Types
Action Cards
Strategic cards that allow you to directly influence stock prices. You have full control over when to play these cards.
- Move specific stock values up or down
- Play at your discretion during your turn
- Can be saved for optimal timing
- for cards with one black dot - you choose the stock to influence
Risk Cards
Unpredictable events that simulate real-world market volatility. These cards add excitement and challenge to the game.
- Simulate world events and market crashes
- Must be played immediately when drawn
- Affect multiple stocks simultaneously
Game Setup
Initial Hand
Each player receives 4 Action Cards to start the game. These form your initial strategic options.
Game Pile Construction - Free game
For each player in the game, add 1 Risk Cards and 2 Action Cards to the central game pile. The free game allows for a maximum of two players
Game Pile Construction - Starter edition
For each player in the game, add 3 Risk Cards and 6 Action Cards to the central game pile. This ensures balanced gameplay regardless of player count.
Example: With 3 players → 9 Risk Cards + 18 Action Cards = 27 cards in the game pile
Game links
Send the invite link to your fellow players. They will be sent to a page where they can enter their player name and recieve the link for the game board and the game cards (the action board).
Use your 'Play Link' to get the game board and game cards QR codes.
Game board and action board
use those two links (or QR code) to get the Game board and the Action Board. Best is to get the Action board on a mobile device whereas the Game board should be on a laptop or tablet device.
How to Play
Players take turns in round-robin fashion until all cards from the game pile and from the players hand are used.
Turn Structure
Draw a Card
Click the "Take Card" button to draw from the game pile (if cards remain).
First Trading Phase
Buy or sell stocks based on your current portfolio and available cash. Make strategic decisions before playing your card.
Play a Card
Execute your card's effect on the market. Risk Cards are mandatory, Action Cards are optional.
Important: Risk Cards must be played immediately when drawn. Thats why you cannot choose another card when there is a Risk card in your hand.
Second Trading Phase
React to the card's market impact by buying or selling stocks again.
Restriction: You cannot trade stock titles you were trading in the first trading phase.
End Turn
Click "Move Done" to pass the turn to the next player.
Special Events
💰 Dividend Payouts
Trigger: Stock hits maximum value (250)
When a card would push a stock above 250, shareholders receive the excess amount as dividends.
Example: TECH stock is at 240. A "+20 TECH" card is played. Stock stays at 250, but TECH shareholders receive 10 cash per share as dividends.
⚠️ Cash Calls & Bankruptcy
Trigger: Stock hits minimum value (10)
When a card would push a stock below 10, shareholders must pay 20 cash per share they own.
Cash Call Sequence:
- 1. Pay 20 per share from cash
- 2. If cash goes negative → Sell stocks to cover debt
- 3. If unable to cover → Bankruptcy & elimination
Game End & Victory
🏁 End Game Trigger
The game ends immediately when the last card from all players' hands and the game pile has been played.
🏆 Wealth Calculation
Total Wealth =
Example:
Cash: $1,200
Stocks: $3,800
Total: $5,000
🥇 Final Ranking
Players are ranked by total wealth, with the richest player declared the winner. The final ranking is displayed on the game board for all players to see.
Pro Strategy Tips
Timing is Everything
Hold Action Cards for maximum impact. Play them when you can benefit most from the price changes, either through buying low or selling high.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Don't put all your money in one stock. Spread risk across multiple sectors to protect against devastating Risk Cards.
Watch the Danger Zone
Be cautious when stocks approach 10. The cash call penalty can be devastating if you're overexposed to a volatile stock.
Observe & Adapt
Pay attention to other players' portfolios and likely moves. Anticipate market changes and position yourself accordingly.
Quick Reference
Card Limits
- • Stock price range: 10-250
- • Starting hand: 4 Action Cards
- • Per player in pile: 1/3 Risk + 2/6 Action
Special Events
- • Dividends: Stock hits 250
- • Cash call: Stock hits 10
- • Penalty: 20 per share owned
Turn Actions
- • Draw card → Trade → Play card
- • Trade again → End turn
- • Risk Cards: mandatory play