What Happens If I Can’t Perform An Action in Splendor? (Token Swap)

Short Answer: you’ve got the option to always perform an action in the game Splendor.

The official rulebook could be clearer on the subject.

So, weve detailed below when you might think youre stuck in Splendor, but why you really arent.

Im Stuck in Splendor!

So, if you cant take tokens and you cant purchase a development card, what can you do?

Well, thats the thing.

Take 3 gem tokens of different colors.

Take 2 gem tokens of the same color.

(Only possible if there are at least 4 tokens available in that color.)

Reserve 1 development card and take 1 gold token (joker).

Purchase 1 face-up development card from the middle of the table or a previously reserved one.

A player can never have more than 10 tokens at the END of their turn (including jokers).

If this happens, they must return tokens until they only have 10 left.

A player can return all or some of those theyve just drawn.

Note how it says at the end of their turn.

What does that mean?

Its not even a workaround.

You have followed the rules of the game as they are written.

Can I Use This Token-Swapping Method Any Time I Want?

According to the rules as they are written, yes.

But it seems a losing strategy.

It also means you’re free to always perform an action in the game.