
- BGG rank
- BGG #15,203
- BGG rating
- 6.3
Smoke & Mirrors
- 2–5 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 1.0/5
- 2015

Rules assistance for Universal Rule: Duplicity
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

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Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Universal Rule: Duplicity is an expansion for Universal Rule released in 2017 for 3–5 players, 30–45 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Chip Beauvais and its main mechanics are Hand Management.
Chip Beauvais has designed a full standalone expansion for Universal Rule and we're sending it out in 3 parts. This first set, which we're calling Duplicity is all about doubling abilities. Want to attack twice? Or colonize twice? These cards will allow you to bend the rules in that new way. —description from the publisher This expansion is included in the base game set Universal Rule: Second Wave. A 6-card expansion to the Universal Rule family of games. This expansion adds 6 new planets to explore that adds additional rules and ways to score. The main theme of this expansion is cards that double things. Escalating Edge Planets Antedock Fixtau Mannisoni Piscius VI Wachu Zeffe Released in the July 2017 Board Game of the Month Club $10+ package.
Universal Rule: Duplicity supports 3–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Universal Rule: Duplicity is 30–45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Universal Rule: Duplicity for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Universal Rule: Duplicity belongs to these categories: Card Game, Print & Play, and Science Fiction. Its main mechanics are Hand Management. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Universal Rule: Duplicity are: Chip Beauvais. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Universal Rule: Duplicity as an expansion for Universal Rule. Expansions add new content, rules or scenarios to the base game and usually cannot be played on their own, so you need Universal Rule to use it. Check that your edition of Universal Rule is compatible, as some expansions were revised between editions.