Newton

Overview

Newton is a euro-style strategy game where players are young scholars in the 18th century competing to become the most respected scientist. Over 6 rounds, players play action cards from their hand to travel Europe, study at universities, advance on technology and work tracks, and collect books. At the end of each round, one played card is permanently tucked under the study board, increasing the power of future actions of that type but removing it from the hand. The player with the most victory points wins.

Components

1 Map board, 1 Tracks board, 4 Study boards
48 Bookshelf tiles, 24 Starting Action cards (6/player), 45 Action cards (3 levels), 20 Master cards
10 Objective tiles, 10 Invention tiles, 10 Specialization tiles, 20 Development tiles, 12 Income tiles
4 Medicine Income tiles, 7 City tiles, 6 University tiles, 3 Ancient Land tiles
18 Bonus tokens, 32 Coins, 20 Potion tokens
4 Scientists, 16 Students, 48 Travel cubes, 8 Player markers, 1 First Player token

Setup

Place Map and Tracks boards centrally. Randomly place City, University, Ancient Land, Specialization, Objective, Invention tiles on matching spaces.
Place Bonus tokens based on player count (remove 4-player tokens for fewer players).
Set up Income, Development tiles on Tracks board. Lay out 3 action cards per level.
Each player: takes Study board, 12 Bookshelf tiles (3 per shelf space), 12 Travel cubes, 6 Starting Action cards, Scientist (on Basel), 4 Students (1 on Technology track start, 3 in reserve), 2 Markers (1 on Work track start, 1 on VP 0), 2 Coins.
Draft 4 Master cards (first game: keep all dealt).

Turn Structure

The game is played over 6 rounds, each with:

Action Phase

Players take turns clockwise. On your turn, play 1 Action card from hand onto your desk (left to right). The action’s power equals the total number of matching symbols visible on your desk (including the card just played). Optionally perform Quick Actions.

End Round Phase

Choose 1 played card to tuck under your desk (increases future action power but card is lost from hand).
Return remaining played cards to hand.
Gain income from collected Income tiles.
Pass First Player token left.

Actions

5 Basic Actions

Action	Effect
Work	Move marker forward on Work track (value = steps). Gain coins equal to spaces moved.
Technology	Move 1 student forward on Technology track (branching paths).
Travel	Move scientist along map routes (some cost coins). Place travel cubes at destinations.
Lessons	Take 1 available action card of equal or lower level value; add to hand.
Study	Place bookshelf tiles on your Study board. Each tile placed may grant immediate bonuses.

Quick Actions (anytime during your turn)

Spend a Potion to perform an additional basic action at value 1.
Spend coins as needed for various effects.

Special Effects

Many action cards have Special Effects (upper half) in addition to their Basic Action. Effects include: gaining potions, coins, VP, or performing mini-actions.

Objective Tiles

Located at ends of tracks and on the map. Reaching them requires meeting specific prerequisites. They provide significant end-game VP.

Master Cards

Each player has 4 Master cards that score VP at game end based on specific conditions met during the game.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

VP accumulated throughout the game plus end-game scoring:

Master cards: Score based on conditions.
Objective tiles: VP for each reached.
Travel cubes placed: 9th/10th/11th/12th cube placed scores 1/2/4/8 VP.
Remaining resources may contribute minor points.

Highest VP total wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Tucking cards: The card tucked under the desk is permanent. Its symbol boosts all future actions of that type but the card cannot be played again.
Track endings: Special requirements must be met to enter Objective spaces at track ends.
Travel cube order: Must be removed from Study board top-to-bottom, right-to-left, uncovering bonuses.
Bookshelf tiles: Placed on Study board to claim bonuses and score points.
Solo variant: Included with modified setup and automated opponent.

Player Reference

Action	Symbol	Effect Summary
Work	Hammer	Advance on Work track, gain coins
Technology	Gear	Advance student on Tech track
Travel	Boot	Move scientist on map
Lessons	Book	Acquire new action card
Study	Magnifier	Place bookshelf tiles