If you have played Illimat with some regularity, chances are your playing card deck looks something like ours. A five suited deck of lovingly worn cards - except for the almost pristine stars suit glaring back at you. 

This is, of course, because in the first edition rules of Illimat the stars suit is only used in four player games; and for many of us, Illimat is a two player staple. 

Friends, it's time for the star suits to shine. Starting in Illimat second edition (launching for preorder on Nov 1st) the official rules of Illimat are that the stars suit is always in play. Yes, even for solo play. 

Why did we make this change? The original design intent of the star suit was to lengthen the game and add little more strategic choices in a four player game. What we've heard from players is that adding the fifth suit for two or three players  is beneficial for them as well. The additional play time is offset by the increased amount of choices and opportunities to change seasons.

We've added five more minutes to the playtime estimate on the box because of this change, and it's one less thing new players have to think about when they are setting up the game for the first time. 

As an extra bonus, the illustrations Carson Ellis did on the star suit are among my very favorites and Im glad they will see more play. I mean, check out the beard on the King of Stars. Epic!

If you've got a copy of Illimat—break it out this week and give this new rule change a try and let us know what you think!

-Jenn

Next Wednesday: Game Component Changes in Second Edition