Overview
If you think Magic: The Gathering spin-off Mood Swings is just a lighthearted filler game, think again. Designed by head MTG designer Mark Rosewater, this trading card game looks deceptively simple: two players share a single 45-card deck, each card named after an emotion with a value and unique effect, and the highest total on the table wins each round. But beneath that straightforward surface lies a surprising depth that can lead to never-before-seen sequences — even for Rosewater himself. This guide will take you from complete beginner to a player who can spot and execute those clever combos.
Prerequisites
Before diving in, make sure you have:
- A Mood Swings game set (official print or a printable version) containing exactly 45 cards.
- Two or more players (the game scales up with more participants).
- Basic familiarity with turn-based card games (though not required, it helps).
- A flat playing area to lay out cards.
- Optional: pen and paper to keep track of round scores (not officially required, but useful).
Setup and Basic Rules
The Deck and Hands
Shuffle the 45-card deck. Each player draws a starting hand of 5 cards. The remaining cards form a draw pile. The game is played to three round wins (first to 3).
Round Structure
- Each player selects one card from their hand and places it face-up on the table in front of them — this is their mood in play for that round.
- After all players have played a card, the round ends. The player(s) with the highest total value of all their cards on the table wins the round.
- Cards in play carry over to future rounds — they remain on the table unless a card effect specifically removes them.
- The winner of the previous round goes first in the next round. The loser draws one new card from the draw pile (this often makes going second advantageous as you get an extra card).
- Winning three rounds wins the game.
Step-by-Step Gameplay Walkthrough
Turn Sequencing
Assume a standard two-player game. Player A wins the first round, so they go first in round two. Here's how a typical round unfolds:
- Start of round: The player who lost the previous round draws one card (if the draw pile is empty, they don't draw).
- Playing a card: Each player, in turn order, chooses one card from their hand and puts it into play. You must play exactly one card per round unless a card effect says otherwise.
- End of round: After all players have played their card, compare the total values of all cards each player has in play (including cards from previous rounds). The highest total wins the round. In case of a tie, the round is tied and no one wins (play continues).
- Next round preparation: Winner goes first, loser draws a card. Repeat.
Understanding Card Values and Effects
Each card is named after an emotion (e.g., Vanity, Joy, Fear) and has a base value. Most importantly, each card has a unique special effect. The effects can modify values, count cards in play, or even let you interact with opponents. Let's examine a famous example — Vanity:
- Vanity has a starting value of 0.
- Its effect: It gains +1 value for every card (mood) you have in play, including itself.
- Special clause: If your hand is empty, Vanity instead gains +3 for every mood in play.
This subtle difference can lead to explosive comebacks. Imagine you have Vanity and three other moods in play (total 4 cards). Normally Vanity is value 4 (0+1×4). But if your hand is empty, it becomes 0+3×4 = 12! Suddenly you can leapfrog an opponent's lead.
Advanced Strategy: A Never-Before-Seen Sequence
In the original article, Rosewater describes a specific sequence he wanted to pull off with Vanity — but realized it wouldn't work as planned because of the hand-empty trigger. This demonstrates the game's depth. To plan similar combos:
- Track your hand size — The hand-empty condition on Vanity can be leveraged by playing all your cards, leaving no hand.
- Consider card order — Since cards carry over, you can build up a board of low-value moods, then drop Vanity when your hand is empty to multiply its value.
- Mind the draw — The loser draws a card after each round, which refills your hand and disables Vanity's hand-empty bonus. So you may want to lose a round on purpose to deplete your hand? But losing also gives you a card, paradoxically. Timing is everything.
Common Mistakes
1. Ignoring the Hand-Empty Condition
Players often treat Vanity as a flat +1 per mood, forgetting that emptying your hand changes it to +3. Conversely, they might try to force an empty hand only to realize they'll immediately draw a card next round and lose the bonus.
2. Underestimating the Value of Going Second
Because the loser draws a card (and often goes second anyway), many beginners think winning first is always better. However, drawing an extra card gives you more options and can help you set up combos. Don't be afraid to lose a round if you need the card advantage.
3. Forgetting Cards Carry Over
Each round's cards remain on the table. Some players mistakenly think they clear each round, leading to poor strategic choices. You need to view the game as building a persistent tableau over multiple rounds.
4. Playing Too Many Cards Without Synergy
It's tempting to just play the highest base value card each round. But many cards have effects that interact with the number of moods or with other specific names. Learn your deck's synergies to maximize your total.
5. Misinterpreting Tiebreakers
Ties in a round mean no one wins that round — the game continues. This can affect who goes first next round (the previous winner still goes first). Some players assume a tie gives a point to both, which is incorrect.
Summary
Mood Swings may appear simple, but it rewards careful planning, hand management, and creative combo-building. Master the interplay between persistent moods, hand size, and timing of your draws. By understanding the depth of cards like Vanity and the strategic advantage of going second, you can pull off sequences that surprise even the game's designer. Now shuffle up and swing those moods!