# What is PixelDebates? Hello gamers, \ \ Welcome to the fun, competitive phenomenon known as PixelDebates! Some of us may already know about NFTs, cryptocurrency, P2E (play-to-earn), and blockchain technology. Some of us may not know much about that stuff, but we DO have some experience with trading card and strategy games. Some of us may have little to no experience with any of it... but fear not, this guide will bring all of you up to speed! ![Or slow you down, tiger...](/files/PjtAfbUtgf5nwrAytBO7) PixelDebates is a strategy game similar to other trading card games (TCGs) like Magic the Gathering. The rules aren’t terribly complex, so you should be able to figure it out after a few practice games. \ \ The PixelDebates concept was created by studying real debate tactics from modern and historical debates, then converting them into card game mechanics. We use the US presidents (POTUSes) from PixelPotus.com and give them special abilities and alignments. \ \ Although most of the cards are thematic with debates, POTUSes, and historical context, don't take it TOO seriously. Some alignments and abilities don't actually correspond to real people or debate forums, but they're fun to play in the game! **Got a few minutes?** Check out a video overview of PixelDebates: {% embed url="" %} ### Getting Started {% content-ref url="/pages/WaTUVogYy4Nze5MbeWgS" %} [Rules](/guides/rules) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Guides: Jump Right In Follow our handy guides to get started on the basics as quickly as possible: {% content-ref url="/pages/3isl98TU8tWGJLFi0LUi" %} [Steps to Collect Tactics](/guides/steps-to-collect-tactics) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/KLbgiKlD3NiWOzLPc0DF" %} [Creating Your First Deck](/guides/creating-your-first-deck) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Fundamentals: Dive a Little Deeper Learn the fundamentals of PixelDebates to get a deeper understanding of our main features: {% content-ref url="/pages/bgdr8sgPMqGYNjwqRXZV" %} [Tactics](/fundamentals/tactics) {% endcontent-ref %} # A Gameplay Narrative ## Load The Game Once you have collected enough cards to make a [15 card deck](/guides/creating-your-first-deck), head over to the PVP arena and match for stakes. !!ALERT \*A WILD POTUS APPEARS\* ALERT!! Game board loads, the match begins. ## The Game Board Almighty RNG determines player order and starting crowd-state (left side). Players will get 3 total turns per round- but the 3rd turn is a 10 second "POTUS phase", where only POTUS abilities can be used. You click on the coin and see your POTUS abilities, as well as your opponent's coin. You see some cards from your deck in your hand. You can play them in the forum when its your turn. ## Player 1 Phase 1 Player 1 gets to set the “tone” of the debate by using arguments to create threads- columns where cards can be played that round. ONLY the 1st player may create threads, unless a card says otherwise. Player 1 plays at least 1 argument and any RD they want. *Note: even though Player 1 gets an advantage by setting the tone, player 2 gets the LAST WORD, so just like in real debates, they can use their closing remarks to claim a petty victory and then hide behind the moderator while you sputter and fume, but don't worry, the roles reverse next round!* ## Player 2 Phase 1 Player 2 presents counterarguments to “block” player 1’s arguments, and any RD they like. Player 2 must assign at least 1 blocker, but may hold other arguments for blocking later. PASS. ## Player 1 Phase 2 Player 1 begins their 2nd phase: "cross-examination". They may play arguments from their hand on any of their threads where the argument has been removed by the 2nd player. Last chance to play RD on threads! PASS. Player 2 comes in with a cross-examination of their own, and gets a last word on the board state. Play blocking arguments, RD, shwatever. PASS. ## POTUS Phase Keep in mind, you may activate a POTUS ability on either of your 2 phases by clicking on the POTUS ability button, selecting the ability, and then clicking an appropriate target, but it may be useful to wait until the POTUS phase. Both players get 10 seconds for last minute shenanigans with POTUS abilities, simultaneously. ## Round End As first order of business, the crowd applies a buff or nerf to all arguments. Rhetorical Devices are naturally persuasive, so the crowd shifts based on how many RD are on the board. For instance: if the crowd is currently at 7% Irrational Mob, and there are a total of 3 RD on Bad Faith arguments, and 2 RD on Good Faith arguments, the crowd shifts a net 1% towards the Mob, making it 8%.
Next, add 8% to the base strength of all BF arguments, and subtract 8% from all GF arguments (round to the nearest whole number). Next, add any POTUS alignment buff/nerf and any special ability buff/nerf. Finally, tally up the total strength of each thread and subtract it from the total strength of the opposing side. Any remainder is called “overage” and tramples over the opposing thread to damage its owner's fortitude. After overage is calculated, the total converted costs are tallied up for each player and subtracted from their fortitude bars as well. Following this, if both players are above zero fortitude, cards go to the graveyard, and another round initiates where players draw up to 5, and player order rotates. Players may overexert themselves and spend costs into negative fortitude, but they will not lose until Round End. When a player reaches zero or below at Round End, the player with the most fortitude wins!\ \ End Game lobby: winner takes the stakes! # Steps to Collect Tactics ## Wallet You need a tezos wallet: On a desktop we suggest the Temple web wallet -> [Temple Wallet](https://thanoswallet.com/) On a mobile device we suggest the Kukai web wallet -> [Kukai](https://kukai.app/)\ \ Once your wallet is created please make sure to follow the wallet's instructions for backing up your seed phrase. If you lose your seed phrase, you can lose access to your assets forever, and no one can help you. ## Gas You will need a little bit of XTZ (tezos) in your wallet to pay for gas fees on the network, plus enough XTZ to swap for a few thousand $PXL. Head over to your favorite exchange ([Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/price/tezos), [Gemini](https://www.gemini.com/prices/tezos), [Binance](https://www.binance.com/en/trade/XTZ_USDT)) and grab some XTZ, then send it to your new wallet address. ## Swap Swap XTZ for chunk of $PXL using [QuipuSwap.](https://quipuswap.com/swap?from=tez\&to=KT1F1mn2jbqQCJcsNgYKVAQjvenecNMY2oPK_0) Once you see the new balance show up in your wallet you are ready to start collecting some TACTICs! ## Collect -Create a Pixel profile at and connect your wallet. \ -Transfer a few hundred $PXL from your wallet into your profile. \ -While you're there, make an alias. \ -Then head over to to connect your wallet, and start claiming tactic NFT fragments. You can combine fragments to craft and upgrade tactics, and/or trade in the marketplace towards your ideal decks.\ \ If you want to know which cards to trade for, we have several sample decks listed [here](/guides/sample-deck). ## Connect Check out what is happening in the PixelDebates Community:\ \ Twitter:[@PixelPotus](https://twitter.com/PixelPotus)\ \ Discord:[Invitation](https://discord.gg/CbdbvwtwkM)\ \ Telegram:[Invitation](https://t.me/pixelpotus) # Rules ## The Gist **Win**: The game is over when you or your opponent's fortitude bar goes to 0 (or below). If you have a higher fortitude, you win the match. For instance, at [round end](#12-round-end-order-of-operation), if you are at -5 fortitude and your opponent is at -6, you win the match. If you are both at -6 and tie, you get an extra tiebreaker round.
**Forum**: You interact with your opponent by playing your [*tactics*](#5-tactics) in the debates forum; the center strip consisting of two rows and seven columns where tactics can be played.
**Rounds**: You and your opponent take turns going first each round. Each round has two [phases](#4-phases) plus a short [POTUS phase](#4-phases). ## Board Setup When players match, they enter the game board. Factors such as [crowdstate](#11-the-crowd), starting [hand](#8-hand), and player turn order are randomized. Players then take turns playing [arguments](#arguments) until [round end](#12-round-end-order-of-operation), then alternate going first each new round until someone wins the match. ## Rounds There are no hard limits to the number of rounds possible per match, but typical matches last three to four rounds. Rounds are broken down into [phases](#4-phases) in which which both players take a turn. Rounds begin with "round start", in which up to five cards are drawn. If you already have some cards in hand, you will draw until you have five cards. [**Round End**](#12-round-end-order-of-operation) is when all abilities and damage calculations are resolved. Cards in the forum are sent to the discard pile. Some special tactics (see [Bully](/fundamentals/tactics)) may return to hand. ## Phases The first player sets the tone of the debate by playing arguments to create [threads](#6-threads). These represent the opening [arguments](#arguments) of a debate. When that player runs out of time or passes the turn, the second player may play counter-arguments. Each player must play a minimum of one argument in phase one, and can play any amount of [RD](#rhetorical-devices). **Cross examination**: Once the second player passes the turn, the first player gets a chance to cross-examine their arguments. Arguments can be played in emptied threads (if your argument got destroyed). RD and POTUS abilities can be used. The first player passes the turn. The second player then gets the last word, and may take final actions on the threads. This was their Phase 2. \ \ **POTUS Phase**: Finally there is a ten second window where both players can use their POTUS abilities. We do not have separate POTUS phases, so both players can use their abilities at the same time (which can get chaotic, but real life debates can be chaotic as well!). \ \ After the POTUS Phase comes [round end](#12-round-end-order-of-operation). Then, if neither player has won, a new round begins. ## Tactics **Tactics** can be played in the forum. Tactics contain two types of cards: [a*rguments*](#arguments) and [rhetorical devices](#rhetorical-devices) (*RD*).
**Strength**: The top left of your tactics display "strength***"***- this is subtracted from your opponent's fortitude bar if the argument is unblocked or unmitigated (Example: assuage).
**Cost**: The top right of your tactics display the cost. When played, the costs of your tactics will be subtracted from your own fortitude bar, unless the tactic has been removed. \ \ **Abilities**: *Most* argument abilities technically resolve at [round end](#12-round-end-order-of-operation), so destroying that argument reverses its ability, whereas, *most* RDs resolve instantly. Destroying "instant" RD's will not reverse the Rd's abilities. ![](/files/8nWSiFhYGOzppOqmWf4v) ### Arguments **Arguments** are tactics which can be played to create [*threads*](#6-threads) or to block other arguments. \ \ **Argument Abilities**: Some arguments also have an ability, but they typically cost more than regular arguments. Most argument abilities are reversible if destroyed. **Alignments**: Arguments with a Bad Faith (*BF*) alignment are red, while arguments with a Good Faith (GF) alignment are blue. If a [POTUS](/fundamentals/potus) has an [alignment](#7-potus-alignments-and-abilities) it will add bonus strength to arguments of that alignment. ### Rhetorical Devices ***RDs*** are purple-colored [tactics](#5-tactics) that can only be played on top of existing arguments in threads. They have no inherent alignments. **Abilities**: All RD have abilities and are *usually* nonreversible. \ \ **Passive Crowd Work**: In a real life debate, RDs are particularly persuasive elements which help shift the opinions of the crowd. In the game, if an RD is played on a BF argument it shifts the crowd 1 % towards [*Irrational Mob*](#11-the-crowd). If an RD is played on a GF argument, it shifts the crowd 1% towards [*Enlightened Citizen*](#11-the-crowd). Since this ability technically resolves at [*Round End*](#12-round-end-order-of-operation), destroying or removing an RD reverses the shift by 1%. ## **Threads** When the first player plays an argument on the debate forum, it creates a thread, which is a column where both players can play [tactics](#5-tactics) (typically on your own side). In the top/center of your thread is a number which shows the thread totals***.*** This number is the net strength and cost of that thread after all the RDs, crowd buffs/nerfs, alignments, and abilities have applied. \ \ **First player privilege:** During the first turn of the game, the first player can create threads. They must play between one and seven arguments in the [forum](#1-the-gist). **Overage**: When a thread blocks another thread, it only blocks as much as it has strength- just subtract the strength thread totals. The strengths of the 2 threads are compared, and the greater strength thread deals its leftover damage as overage to the defending player's fortitude bar. \ \ *Example: You attack with Shouting Match (8/5) and a Ruffle Feathers (2/1), while I block with a Strategic Communication (6/4). Your thread total is 10, while mine is 6, so I will be losing 4 fortitude.* **Replace**: If an opponent takes control of, or destroys one of your arguments, leaving you with an empty thread, you may play another argument to fill the gap on your next player phase (if you have an extra argument in hand). **POTUS**: Some POTUSes (like [Jackson](/fundamentals/potus)) have special abilities which affect the thread column rather than specific arguments. These effects will remain with the thread even if the tactics are removed. ## POTUS In the deckbuilder screen, you can build a new deck by selecting one of the available POTUSes and 15 [tactics](#5-debate-tactics). Click on your POTUS icon on the right side to see your alignments and abilities. In game, the POTUS info will be displayed on the bottom left in the "POTUS abilities" token. **Alignments**: The POTUS will show you his alignments, which are passive buffs (or nerfs). These buffs will add to the strengths of their [GF and/or BF arguments](#arguments). These bonuses are added *after* the crowd bonus has been factored. For example, Truman has a 1/1 bonus alignment, so both GF and BF arguments will have +1 strength, while Bush has a 0/1 alignment, so only BF tactics will get +1 Str. **POTUS Abilities**: Some are passive, while some are targeting and therefore need to be clicked to activate them, during your turn. ## Hand In your hand are the [tactics](#5-debate-tactics) you can play during your turn. At the beginning of each round, players draw enough cards to bring their hand total to five cards. **Card Draw**: There are other special abilities which can allow you to draw more cards. You can draw as many cards as you are able. When you draw past the limit of your deck, your discard pile will [recycle](#deck) so you can draw additional cards. ## Deck Your deck consists of the fifteen cards you assembled before the match. There are icons showing hand, deck, and discard near the bottom right of the debates screen, which shows the allocations of your cards. \ \ **Recycle**: At Round Start, you draw up to 5 cards from your deck. If there are not enough cards in your deck to draw up to 5, the discard pile is recycled by shuffling it into a new deck before new cards are drawn. ## Discard Pile The **discard** **pile** holds all the cards you have played, destroyed, or discarded. Certain abilities such as "[pause for reflection](/fundamentals/tactics)", can actually retrieve tactics from your discard pile back into your hand. ## The Crowd The crowdstate is the current mood or disposition of the crowd. At match start, the crowdstate is randomized to be somewhere between 0-10% Irrational Mob or 0-10% Enlightened Citizen. The crowdstate can be shifted by player actions to reach up to 30% towards either alignment. \ \ **Crowd Alignment**: an Irrational Mob percentage will buff BF aligned arguments by that same percentage, and will nerf GF arguments by that percentage, rounded to the nearest whole number. Conversely, an Enlightened Citizen percentage will buff GF aligned arguments by that percentage, and will nerf BF arguments by that percentage, rounded to the nearest whole number. \ \ **Crowdwork**: Certain POTUSes or tactic abilities can shift the crowd. Also, all RDs shift the crowd 1% in the direction of the argument alignment they are played on. Since this is a Round End passive ability, removing the RD reverses the shift. \ \ Example s*cenario: The crowd is at -7% (Mob). Your opponent plays the "Crack a Joke" RD on a BF (red) argument. Crack a Joke instantly shifts the crowd 2% with it's instant ability, bringing the crowd to -9%, plus 1% from its* [*RD passive*](#rhetorical-devices)*, making the crowdstate -10% Mob. On your turn, you use "Identify Non-Argument" on a GF argument to destroy their "Crack a Joke". Since you played an RD, the crowd shifts down 1%, and since you removed a BF aligned RD (Crack a Joke), the crowd shifts down another 1%. The final crowdstate is -8% Mob at Round End.* ## Round End Order of Operation **Crowd Strength**: At Round End, all abilities and the crowdstate will resolve. The [crowd buff or nerf](#the-crowd) is applied to all arguments according to their alignments before anything else. \ \ **Example Crowd Calculation**: *A 2-star* [*Shouting Match*](/fundamentals/tactics) *argument has a strength of 9 and a cost of 5 (aka, a 9/5 BF argument). If the crowd is at, say, +10% Enlightened Citizen, then the crowd calculation is as follows:* \ *9 - (9 x .1) = 8.1 \~ 8.* \ *Remember, the crowd nerfs BF arguments, so that extra .9 was subtracted by the crowd, rather than added. Therefore, the final crowd strength of that 2-star Shouting Match will be **8**.* \ \ *But lets say there's also a 2-star* [*Socratic Questioning*](/fundamentals/tactics) *(aka, a 9/6 GF argument). Assuming the same crowd, 9 x 1.1 = 9.9 \~ 10. So the crowd strength of your 2-star Socratic will be **10**.* **Alignments**: After the crowd has had its way, POTUS alignments and special abilities apply to the strengths and costs of the tactics. The [thread totals](#6-threads) are the combination of your tactics, crowd, alignments, and abilities, and even though they appear on the threads *in real time*, the number is not technically resolved until Round End. [**Overage**:](#threads) Once the threads are totaled, the bigger thread "tramples" over the weaker thread, dealing its leftover strength to the defending player. \ \ **Costs**: The net costs are also totaled and subtracted from the fortitude bar.
**Discard**: All the tactics on the board are then discarded. If both players are above zero fortitude, the game will start a new round. #### *Welp those are the basic rules! Be sure to watch the videos for more.* ## # Creating Your First Deck You need 15 tactics to make a deck. Each deck contains specific tactics. It may be wise to log into the game and use the deckbuilder/practice tool in order to understand how each tactic and POTUS works. \ \ In order to access and use the practice tool, it will require you to create a profile at [https://www.pxl.games](https://www.pxl.games/profile). You will have to connect a wallet and should make an alias while you're there, but don't worry, you won't be charged. ## Practice Load the unity game and open the deck builder, build a 15 card deck, and try out practice mode. These features are free. Once you are familiar with the game, you can make much wiser decisions for your own deck list. You could also check out the [discord community](https://discord.gg/J9hXXxGZ) to figure out which decks are currently strong. ## Construction When putting together a deck, it's pretty safe to start off with at least 10 arguments or more. Once you've gained some experience, feel free to customize the ratio of argument-to-RD as you build your strategy around your favorite POTUS. \ \ When building a deck, players choose one POTUS. Choosing a POTUS with passive abilities might be easier for new players (Obama, Wilson, Roosevelt, Johnson, and Washington).\ \ *Note: currently Assuage, Gaslighting, Socratic Questioning, Polk, and Johnson are not available in play, so you may want to avoid those for now.* ## Collect for P2E If you trust our judgement, try putting together one of our sample [deck lists](/guides/sample-deck). Whenever you are ready to own a deck for P2E, head to to collect tactic fragments and buy tactics on the market. There should be whole premade decks for sale on the market, but buying individual fragments and 1 star tactics is cheaper, just time-consuming. You can also batch claim and use the market to trade for the fragments you want. ## {% embed url="" %} \ {% endembed %} # Sample Deck Below is a sample deck we found to be an effective defensive, attrition-style deck. The cards and the justification for using them in the deck will be provided. Feel free to copy our list if you find it helpful. |

POTUS: Truman

Play Style: Attrition

Deck Concept: Outlast your opponent with defensive plays and timely bombs.

|


| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | *Creator’s Note*: I stacked this deck with all of the available two-cost argument cards and the two strongest arguments from both GF and BF. Truman needs more arguments than most POTUSes in order to maximize the amount of times you can use his special ability per match. This deck will seek to play the minimum cards necessary to hold off an opponent’s strongest attacks while keeping your own costs low. It can also punish your opponent for overcommitting. Plus, there are several synergistic combos that can also really be effective. Please note, this deck is weak to all-in decks due to the higher amount of RD. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed to the point where you have to waste bombs on blocking, swap out two RD for arguments. Tactics: 1. Champion Moral Values 2. Shouting Match 3. Sketchy Sources 4. Oversimplification 5. Slippery Slope 6. Find Common Ground 7. Deductive Reasoning 8. An Honest Assessment 9. Press Your Buttons 10. Ad Hominem Attack 11. Reiterate 12. Epiphany 13. Pause for Reflection 14. Character Assassination 15. Personal Anecdote ### ### Additional Deck Concepts ## The Firestarter **Playstyle**: Inflammatory bad-faith arguments, seeking to draw their opponent out of comfortable corners, exploiting weaknesses, and crushing the opposition **Strengths**: Can overwhelm opponents with multiple arguments (3-5 threads) and punish them with card cost effects. **Weaknesses**: Fewer RD to strengthen single threads, dependent/vulnerable to card cost effects. **Ideal POTUSes**: H.W. Bush, Washington, Truman, Obama, Wilson **Arguments**: Shouting Match, False Dichotomy, Ad Hominem Attack, Press Your Buttons, Incite the Mob, Overgeneralization, Sketchy Sources, Oversimplification, Slippery Slope, Red Herring, Emotional Appeal, Conflate Terms\ \ **Rhetorical Devices (RD):** Character Assassination, Ruffle Some Feathers, Copycat ## State Champ **Playstyle**: The master of rhetorical devices! Uses well-structured rhetorical devices (RD) to strengthen their arguments and wear their opponent down through strategy and wit. **Strengths**: Attempts to use 1-2 argument threads on his turn and maximize damage on each, lessens the impact of card cost effects. More RD equals more utility! Strategic Communication and Bully are a must-have addition to this deck to allow for fewer arguments and more RD. **Weaknesses**: Fewer arguments mean less ability to respond to multiple argument threads on your opponent’s turn and leaving yourself vulnerable to being overrun. Fewer arguments also run the risk of drawing no arguments on your turn and forcing you to take a mulligan. **Ideal POTUSes**: Jackson, Obama, Washington, H.W. Bush, Truman **Arguments:** Strategic Communication, Bully, Press Your Buttons, Plausible Deniability, Deductive Reasoning, An Honest Assessment, Slippery Slope, Sketchy Sources \ \ **Rhetorical Devices (RD):** Personal Anecdote, Character Assassination, Dismantle Argument, Rebut the Peanut Gallery, Identify Non-Argument, Copycat, Ruffle Some Feathers\ \ **Variation: “One-Man-Army”** \ Load up with more BF arguments, keep the number of RD but feel free to mix and match. Obama and H.W. Bush will perform much better with this deck due to their BF alignment. ## Devil’s Advocate **Playstyle**: Strongest arguments from both good-faith and bad-faith alignments, avoid crowd mechanics, seeks to play the right card at the right time **Strengths**: Adaptable regardless of crowd-state. Works best for POTUS with both GF and BF alignment bonuses or neither. Can launch or defend “all-in” attacks. **Weaknesses**: Lacks the punch of more focused strategies. Card costs are very high. **Ideal POTUSes**: Truman, Wilson, Washington, Jackson, Roosevelt **Arguments:** Champion Moral Values, Evidence-Based Platform, Reductio Ad Absurdum, Shouting Match, Ad Hominem Attack, False Dichotomy, Press Your Buttons, Plausible Deniability, Apply Some Critical Thinking, Abductive Argument, Criticize and Demean, Bait and Switch \ \ **Rhetorical Devices (RD):** Character Assassination, Personal Anecdote, Rebut the Peanut Gallery\ \ **Variation:** \ Replace the most expensive cards, using instead a mix of some of the lowest-cost cards. Keep plausible and buttons and stack your deck with mostly arguments (no more than 4 RD). Wilson and Truman will work well here. ## Boy Scout **Playstyle**: An army of low-cost GF arguments to outlast your opponent with attrition (defensive) tactics. Keeps costs low and fearlessly go all-in. **Strengths**: Can play 4-6 argument threads each round and will usually get damage through each round. Low card costs mean you won’t be dealing as much damage to yourself in the process. **Weaknesses**: Heavily reliant on going first and setting the tone of the debate. Generally weak without a large positive crowd-state. Vulnerable to single-thread assaults. **Ideal POTUSes**: Roosevelt, Wilson, Washington, Truman, H.W. Bush **Arguments:** Our Better Angels, Plausible Deniability, Open-Minded Approach, Commit to a Real Position, Level-Headed Argument, Bridge the Gap, Take a Principled Stance, Find Common Ground, An Honest Assessment, Deductive Reasoning, Correlation Isn’t Causation\ \ **Rhetorical Devices (RD):** Crack a Joke, Personal Anecdote, Epiphany, Pause for Reflection # Resource Management Is PixelDebates a resource management game? In some sense, yes. The game's main resources are the [crowd](/guides/resource-management/the-crowd), [costs](/guides/resource-management/managing-card-costs), and the number of [cards](/guides/resource-management/card-draw) you have available to play**.** The player that can most effectively manage their resources will likely come out on top!
# The Crowd The crowd is always watching, judging. The crowd can be moved to support either GF or BF arguments through the effective use of RD, plus other abilities. ![Make them care... ](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EjhRDIEB0fzz9OW4ZAqjjdjOFKyi_YzNUi98ypIMWuhDoRSuRF4QMWvixwZrDXiqo-3iI1n2H_e7y_KS9xg-Ipivn1fFKcO2OipBAfnqTWvFpq2U5wQ4LVMwAMq0h75gzAc6YK8w) ### RNG (Random Elements) The crowd will randomly start each match anywhere between the range of 0-10% irrational mob (favors BF) or 0-10% enlightened citizen (favors GF). The crowd can be pushed to a maximum of 30% towards either alignment.
### RD Crowd Shift All arguments have either a GF or BF alignment. Playing an RD on top of an argument will move the crowd 1% in the direction of the argument's alignment. This happens above and beyond any of that RD's stated abilities, but since its a round end ability, the crowd shift is reversible if the RD is destroyed.
### Argument Crowd Shift Typically, arguments without RD will not affect the crowd. However, there are some special arguments that can shift the crowd (*Incite the Mob* and *Our Better Angels*). ### The Crowd's Effect on Arguments If the crowd is leaning towards enlightened citizens, then all GF arguments will get a positive bonus % modifier to their strength, but all BF arguments will get a negative % modifier. \ \ If the crowd is leaning towards irrational mob, then all BF arguments will get a positive bonus % modifier to their strength, but all GF arguments will get a negative % modifier. ![They take you down from the inside...](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PKyh2yYGR5hTCf_4KJE3ukhejTUxfTrvSoC2QhHbHTQcdghcoOyf8HxpIvtlo8F8dFeuPjYKiyTJZqqT3yZckCz5bbsS6Nz1HawZi_dzeHtmujYMh8UM0dm65sXRY3l0eNFQErOB) ### Rounding A crowd modification of up to .49 always rounds down to the closest whole number, while .5 and up will round up. The following table indicates the minimal crowd modifier required to change a card’s strength. Some cards can be affected up to a plus or minus three strength! | Crowd Modifier (Percent) | Minimum Card Strength | Card Strength Modifier w/ Crowd (plus or minus strength) | | | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------ | |
  • 0-4%
|
  • N/A
|
  • N/A
| | | |
  • 5%
|
  • 10
|
  • ± 1 (10 x 1.05)
| | | |
  • 6%
|
  • 9
|
  • ± 1 (9 x 1.06)
| | | |
  • 7%
|
  • 8
|
  • ± 1 (8 x 1.07)
| | | |
  • 8%
|
  • 7
|
  • ± 1 (7 x 1.08)
| | | |
  • 9%
|
  • 6
|
  • ± 1 (6 x 1.09)
| | | |
  • 10%
|
  • 5
|
  • ± 1 (5 x 1.1)
| | | |
  • 13%
|
  • 4
|
  • ± 1 (4 x 1.13)
| | | |
  • 15%
|
  • 10
|
  • ± 2 (10 x 1.15)
| | | |
  • 17%
|
  • 9
|
  • ± 2 (9 x 1.17)
| | | |
  • 19%
|
  • 8
|
  • ± 2 (8 x 1.19)
| | | |
  • 22%
|
  • 7
|
  • ± 2 (7 x 1.22)
| | | |
  • 25%
|
  • 6 | 10
|
  • ± 2 (6 x 1.25) | ±3 (10 x 1.25)
| |
  • 29%
|
  • 9
|
  • ± 3 (9 x 1.29)
| | | |
  • 30%
|
  • 5
|
  • ± 2 (5 x 1.3)
| | | | Be careful, the crowd works both ways! The stronger your argument, the more the crowd affects it. For example, the *Champion Moral Values (8/5)* GF argument will become a (6/5) argument if the crowd is at least +19% BF. | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Not interested in working the crowd? Consider putting crowd canceling cards into your deck, and use a POTUS that doesn't need crowd help! # Managing Card Costs Do card costs matter? Absolutely! It doesn't take long to notice that most of your fortitude loss comes from your own cards. For that reason, outlasting your opponent can be an effective tactic to winning your epic debates.
### Attrition Decks vs Costs Imagine a scenario where your opponent attacks with an 8/5 argument, and you block with a 6/3. At round end, you will both loose 5 fortitude- so you're actually evenly matched, even though your opponent's argument is stronger. However, what if you are able to increase your strength by crowdwork or from abilities, decrease your costs, or increase your opponents costs? Now your arguments will be much less erosive than your opponent's. If you can pair that with some defensive moves, you'll likely scrape out a lead over several rounds. Attrition strategies like this will prey upon high cost arguments and attempt to punish players for going "all in" or for focusing solely on only the most powerful arguments. The most strategic players will minimize unnecessary expenses and choose their glory moments carefully.
### Power Decks vs Cost Where does that leave power decks and all-in decks? Well if the conditions are right, one can simply overpower attrition decks quickly. In cases where its better to build strength over time, you can play as conservatively as possible until conditions are right. \ \ Imagine a scenario where you are playing a power Washington deck vs an attrition Wilson deck. Rather than going all-in, consign yourself to only making 1-3 threads on your 1st turns, while trying to shift the crowd with RD. As second player against an all-in, sometimes dogpiling single threads with RD as a counter-offensive is better than being baited into blocking a bunch of weak threads and bleeding costs. When the crowd is high enough, you can simply overpower your opponent. In any case, practice the math so that you don't lose to your own miscalculation. ### Upgraded Tactics vs Cost Upgraded tactics are superior, of course, since they give more strength for the same cost. For example, if your strategy relies on 6/3 arguments, you could work on upgrading a bunch of 5/2's into 6/2's, then swap them in. This will lower your costs while maintaining the same level of offensive pressure.
### Fortitude Gain vs Costs Adding fortitude-gain to your deck can mitigate some of your higher costs. In the beta release, only Wilson and Teddy have built-in fortitude gain. As far as tactics, P*ersonal Anecdote* is currently the only RD, while the next release is looking forward to *Gaslighting and Socratic Questioning.* # Card Draw In general, card draw (and redraw) should be considered an important element to the game. Each player will draw up to five cards at the start of each round. ### Hand You may want to play as many tactics out of your hand as possible so that you will be able to draw 5 fresh cards. Although you may have to waste a tactic, this will get you closer to drawing your most powerful combos. There are times when you must hold a tactic in your hand for several rounds to complete a combo, but you should weigh the importance of that combo in comparison to drawing new tactics. ### Draw vs Discard Card draw mechanics can help overwhelm opponents, cycle through your deck quicker, and shift the crowd. On the other hand, cards like *Ruffle Your Feathers* force your opponent to discard, limiting your opponent's options. This can be devastating, especially combined with *Reiterate*. ### **Reshuffle** If you run out of cards in your deck to draw, the discard pile will be reshuffled into a new deck to draw from. | | | - | # Counter-Play Tactics ### **Adapting to Your Opponent** It's good as a general rule to study the most commonly used POTUSes and deck compositions, as well as their counter-strategies. It's common for a new player to think one POTUS is overpowered until they discover it's counterplay. ![The horse knows fear... ](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/hsTDT-yxxbdLR9JzIl7DBu47C1SSUpddDDITPY_ABZgvRvvJql7qPZYTGiQKuNe6kyg-waFT0crsIrl6HwrBzZqQgxU_mUSPW35T4--t4NCOBByhBBD-9X3hkaGds2apLJwIe3EL) *SCENARIO: Jackson VS Washington*\ \ *You MUST NOT ALLOW the crowd to go much above zero towards either alignment, so use your RDs to neutralize the crowd by playing them on your BF or GF arguments- the opposite of whatever direction Washington is pushing. Washington has no inherent crowdwork, and lacks an alignment bonus, so keep his crowdstrength down and outduel this dude! Wait until POTUS phase reveals his strongest arguments, and then nerf them with your tokens.* ### **Holding Cards and Timing** If your deck is built around a single combo, it is tempting to hold cards until you have all of the pieces. Sometimes that strategy works out in your favor, while other times, you just miss out on drawing fresh cards. It depends on the situation. ### **Conservative vs Liberal Tactics** When you are against a POTUS such as Bush or Wilson, it may be useful to make fewer threads on your first turn, and try to use your weaker arguments. These POTUSes can make you suffer greatly from playing a bunch of high cost cards, or going all-in on your first player rounds. As much as it pains you to do so, hold your horses!\ \ However, some opponents like to go all-in against you. You may want to do the math since blocking may cost more than just letting some through. Whether you should be the one to go all-in depends on a lot of factors, such as your POTUS and your opponent's playstyle. Perhaps you can bait out their nastier abilities early before switching your playstyle and going all-in later. # General Strategies We’ve taken a broad look and have found some general strategies that may be helpful to think about. ![Our minds are like lasers...](/files/N7cOjbbzXuKNhO2AdFsF) The general types are: control decks, power decks, and attrition decks.\ \ Some POTUSes, like Polk, naturally have a strong control theme to manipulate the board. Others, like Teddy Roosevelt, Washington, Obama, and even Johnson, want to try to overpower you with either buffed arguments and/or by the sheer number of threads.\ \ Others, like Wilson and Bush, want to survive while exhausting your resources (maybe you’ll wear yourself out against their attrition decks!). \ \ Some other POTUSes are very versatile and can be played with different themes. Jackson can be played as control/attrition or as a straight power deck. Truman can sit behind adequate defenses and lob weak bombs at you for an attrition approach, or he can pack his deck with heavy hitters, making strong threads and tossing big bombs. \ \ The differences in strategy may not be very pronounced at first, but as we release new tactics and POTUSes, the diverse specializations and strategies will become much more apparent. For instance, because Washington doesn't have any innate crowdwork, it's easy to counter his ability (FOR NOW). When we add in more crowdwork tactics later.... well let's just say he's coming. He's coming. He's coming....
Anyway, there's still plenty of magic left for you to discover. Don’t forget to pander to your constituents, corporate lobbies, and special interests. We’ll be rooting for you out there! ![](/files/DRQIKzNkMybp8nihIkAa) # Tactics You can mint up to 3-star tactics by combining like fragments/cards of the same star level and paying the upgrade fee. Here is the current list of tactics:
TacticAlignmentStrengthCostAbility
Emotional AppealBF41
Conflate TermsBF41
Red HerringBF41
Nonsensical PointBF41
SloganeerBF41
Slippery SlopeBF52
Sketchy SourcesBF52
OvergeneralizationBF52
OversimplificationBF52
Bald-Faced LieBF63
Bait and SwitchBF63
Criticize and DemeanBF63
False DichotomyBF74
Ad Hominem AttackBF74
Shouting MatchBF85
BF42
Press Your ButtonsBF53Reversible: Opponents arguments cost 1 more.
BullyBF64Reversible: If this thread lands overage, return this argument to your hand.
Incite the MobBF75Reversible: Shift the Crowd +3 Mob.
GaslightingBF86Reversible: Gain your overage as fortitude from this thread.
Bridge the GapGF41
Open-Minded ApproachGF41
Level-Headed ArgumentGF41
Commit to a Real PositionGF41
Take a Principled StanceGF41
Find Common GroundGF52
Deductive ReasoningGF52
An Honest AssessmentGF52
Correlation Isn't CausationGF52
Smooth ConjectureGF63
Apply Some Critical ThinkingGF63
Abductive ArgumentGF63
Evidence-Based PlatformGF74
Reductio ad AbsurdumGF74
Champion Moral ValuesGF85
GF42
Plausible DeniabilityGF53Reversible: Your arguments cost 1 less.
Strategic CommunicationGF64Reversible: If this thread lands overage, return this argument to your hand.
Our Better AngelsGF75Reversible: Shift the Crowd +3 Enlightened.
Socratic QuestioningGF86Reversible: Gain your overage as fortitude from this thread.
EpiphanyRD00Nonreversible: Draw a card.
Ruffle Some FeathersRD21Nonreversible: Opponent discards a card at random.
Character AssassinationRD21Nonreversible: Opponent loses 3 fortitude.
AssuageRD01Reversible: Block all overage from this thread.
Crack a JokeRD00Nonreversible: Shift the Crowd +2.
Identify Non-ArgumentRD21Nonreversible: Destroy target RD.
Dismantle ArgumentRD02Nonreversible: Destroy target opposing free (no RD) argument.
Pause for ReflectionRD01Nonreversible: Return target tactic from your discard pile to your hand.
Rebut the Peanut GalleryRD10Reversible: The Crowd has no effect on the board.
Personal AnecdoteRD00Nonreversible: Gain 3 fortitude.
ReiterateRD02Copy your last tactic ability this round.
CopycatRD02Copy opponent's last tactic ability this round.
# POTUS There are less than ten available at Beta launch, but we will be steadily adding more POTUSes to the lineup as time moves on.
POTUSGFBFAbilityFortitude
George Washington11Rockstar: The Crowdstate always buffs your tactics and it's double (2x Buff).40
Andrew Jackson00Rough and Ready: You may distribute 4 "duel counters" per round. Counters on your arguments give +1 strength, counters on opponent's arguments give -1 strength.35
James K. Polk00Agressive Expansion: Take control of an opponent's free (no RD) argument, or an RD. You can only control a tactic if you have a legal thread to play it on. Use once per round.35
Andrew Johnson11Reconstruction: If an opponent targets you, your hand, or your board, immediately draw a card and gain 2 fortitude. Congressional Veto: You cannot target your opponent, your opponents hand, or your opponent's board.35
Theodore Roosevelt10The Mad Messiah: At the beginning of every round, gain 1 fortitude, shift crowd 1 enlightened, and draw 1 card. Trust Buster: Players cannot play more than 1 RD on each argument.35
Woodrow Wilson00Death and Taxes: When opponents lose fortitude from costs at Round End you gain 1/2 that much fortitude (rounded down).35
Harry S. Truman11Drop the Bomb: Pick an argument in your hand and discard it to deal its strength to an opponent while you lose its cost. Use once per round.35
George H. W. Bush01Wouldn't be Prudent: Target opponent's thread gets -2 strength. Use once per round. Read my Lips: Opponent's arguments cost an additional 1 fortitude. Use once per match.35
Barack Obama01Polished Delivery: RDs you play get +1 strength.35
# $PXL Token $PXL is the utility token of the Pixel ecosystem. It is used to pay for in-game assets, perks and services available in our projects. * Launched Nov 1st, 2021 * Over 5x oversubscribed in our IFO * [Available on Quipuswap](https://quipuswap.com/swap?from=tez\&to=KT1F1mn2jbqQCJcsNgYKVAQjvenecNMY2oPK_0) ### $pxlDAO Token $pxlDAO will be used for voting on the direction of Pixel-based projects (voting targeted for Q2, 2022). * Launched Nov 1st, 2021 * You can farm $pxlDAO on [Crunchy](https://app.crunchy.network/#/farms?q=pxl) * [Available on Quipuswap](https://quipuswap.com/swap?from=tez\&to=KT1VQG4kZR6FkF8jppegp8cGhjJF66jJejLf_0) [Learn more about how Pixel is bringing gamification to NFTs and Defi](https://www.pxl.games/) #### Want to gamify your next project? Contact us. [**powerup@pxl.limited**](mailto:powerup@pxl.limited) # Connection to PixelPotus Although you can play PixelDebates without playing PixelPotus, there are some key connections that are important.\ \ Pixel Debates players have access to all available POTUS, but unless they own an epic, legendary, or unique version of the POTUS in PixelPotus, a fraction of their Debates winnings will be taxed and sent to the POTUS owners as a "lending fee". For that reason, if you are a serious player, it may greatly benefit you to own upgraded versions of the POTUSes that you regularly play. \ \ This will not only waive the lenders fee, but may also allow you to earn $PXL passively from everyone's Pixel Debates matches, depending on the upgrade level. Learn more here: # FAQ Q: *How do I get started?*\ \ A: Start claiming card fragments and forge them into tactics. You can also purchase tactics from the [market](https://www.pixeldebates.com/market) (only available after connecting a wallet). Once you have the 15 cards you want in your deck, game on! Start collecting here! \ \ Q: *What type of game is it- do I need any prior experience?*\ \ A: PixelDebates is a strategy game similar to TCG like Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Hearthstone, with some deck cycling mechanics similar to Dominion. If you play those types of games, you will have an advantage over other types of gamers. However, the rules aren’t terribly complex, and you should be able to adapt after a few practice games.\ \ Q: *How does the game actually work?*\ \ A: We have a pretty thorough walkthrough here and a video tutorial here: \ \ Basically, players take turns attacking each other with arguments and the stronger positions hurt the opponent's mental fortitude - but so do your own arguments! Whenever a player reaches zero fortitude, the match concludes and the winner takes the lion's share of the staked tokens, just as if you staked an entry fee to a tournament with prizes for first place. Q: *What is $PXL?* {% content-ref url="/pages/r29xs9iFsvk3fgdJWydw" %} [$PXL Token](/extras/usdpxl-token) {% endcontent-ref %} ![Actual $Pxl tokens... j/k](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/hfYkQ26KJsAdybB5gcWDe4SHS5HcXI9ekqzYvOse0j3RWbQacGlgWSuzd8AAdEPrju4lYeWeNjzob964UQQNNpO5LeaLyUpbog28qzPAQMKp0lEN8rsB6X3N3BfdN9QpTAb-4pqz) \ Q: *How do I earn tokens and profit?*\ \ A: Now that's the big question everyone is asking! Although there are some random components, this is a skill-based game. If you are confident with your skills, perhaps you should stake more tokens. However, certain POTUSes, deck comps, and dice rolls may simply counter your deck on occasion. So it may help to think of the P2E in terms of statistics rather than individual matching. If you are losing often, it may be time to rethink your strategy, and study up on some counterplay. Also, pay attention to the current meta from top players on the debates discord.\ \ Q: *How much is it chance vs skill?* \ \ A: Designing a deck and playing it to the best case scenario takes a lot of thought and is probably 90% of the game. However, aspects such as: who you are matched against, the starting player order, deck order, and initial crowdstate are randomized. \ *Q:Are there any restrictions on how many identical cards you can have in the same deck?*\ \ A: You may have 1 of each named card per deck. \ *Q: Are we adding new cards in the future?*\ \ A: YES! We will be adding new POTUSes and new tactic cards periodically - stay tuned! Also, we apologize in advance, but some of your existing cards may suddenly have abilities or have changed abilities as we strive to balance the game.
*Q: What happens if either player drops/lags out during a game? Does a bot take over?*\ \ A: Currently the dropped player loses, but we are working on a better solution. \ \ *Q:What about pay-to-play upgraded decks? Will it be fair?* A: There do be whales lurking in the deep! Fear not, we are implementing a rarity-disparity into our matchmaking process, so your matches will be within a fair striking range of your star-level. \ \ Also, keep in mind that players who have spent more tokens on upgrading their cards will also likely be playing at higher token stakes, which will attract other players with either upgraded cards or high skill. Little fishes can chill in the low-stakes lagoon. Who knows, you may find the perfect match!
![UwU](/files/qGorwhfm3BUnNzamPoqq)