Many players mistakenly believe that the value of a card trade is fixed, whereas the actual rules implement a progressive system based on total sets traded.
According to the Risk Official Rulebook, card trading is a progressive mechanic where the number of armies received increases based on the total number of sets already traded in by all players.
Risk Official Rulebook, [edition not specified], [page not specified]
These rules correspond to the US edition of Risk.
Official Rule Breakdown
The progressive card trade mechanism allows players to trade in matched sets of cards at the beginning of subsequent turns to receive additional armies. The specific number of armies granted depends on the total number of sets anyone has traded in throughout the game. For example, the first set traded in is worth 4 armies. If 5 sets have been traded in so far, the next set will be worth 15 armies. Players can use the bottom edge of the game board to keep traded-in cards face down to track the value of the next available trade.
Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Collect a set of 3 cards (same design, three different designs, or two plus a wild card).
- Step 2: Wait until the beginning of your next turn to trade them in.
- Step 3: Check the total number of sets already traded in by all players to determine the current army value.
- Step 4: Trade in the cards and receive the corresponding number of additional armies.
Example Play Situation
Alice has collected three Infantry cards. At the start of her turn, she notices that 4 sets have already been traded in by other players. She trades her set in and receives the progressive army value designated for the 5th set.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking every set is worth the same number of armies
- Trading cards in during your movement phase instead of the start of your turn
- Believing you can trade cards whenever you want without waiting for your turn
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| You can trade in sets at the beginning of your turn | You cannot trade in cards during your movement phase |
| You can use the game board edge to track trade values | You cannot ignore the progressive value established by previous trades |
| You can wait to trade in sets if you have 5 or 6 cards |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for card trading in Risk?
- You trade matched sets at the start of your turn for a progressive number of armies.
- How many armies do I get for the first set traded in?
- The very first set traded in by any player is worth 4 armies.
- Do I have to trade in cards if I have 6 cards?
- Yes, if you have 5 or 6 cards at the start of your turn, you must trade in at least one set.
- How does the progressive value work?
- The army reward increases based on the total number of sets everyone has traded in so far.