Rules & FAQ · Checked 12 Oct 2026
Check a Rule at the Table
Twenty rules questions players actually argue about, each answered against the official rulebook. If an interaction isn't covered here, record the exact card text and rulebook page and ask MinaLima for a ruling.
Can I split a 3+3 movement card into 2+4?
No. Move two different pawns up to three each, or one pawn up to six. A single 4-value card moves one pawn up to four — never divided among pawns.
Is my House pawn bumped when I move onto a Dark Arts pawn?
No — that contact stuns both pawns, and you place the Dark Arts pawn on an adjacent space. A bump only happens when a Dark Arts pawn ends its move on a House pawn, sending it to the Great Hall.
Can I Learn while all my pawns are in Protected Areas?
No. Learn needs at least one House pawn outside a Protected Area. Your Loyalty Track pawn doesn't count.
Does every card draw advance the Dark Arts Marker?
No. Only House Replenish does. Library Book, Bonus Space and Event draws don't. Five cards is the Replenish target, not a hand cap.
Can I use a Hogwarts Token on the turn I pick it up?
No. The extra Explore is available from your next turn: return the token and play a matching card. You can hold only one token.
Can a Dark Arts pawn cross a Protected Area?
No — never pass through, never end there. A House pawn inside a Protected Area can't be bumped.
Do multiple bumps give multiple Acquire rewards?
No. Draw two, keep one, once per turn. Each bump still triggers pawn returns and House Marker checks.
Are three Progress Tokens enough for a Dark Arts win?
No. You also need the required pawns at the Location Card area simultaneously: three pawns at the first red Event, two at the next, one at the final path space.
Does the game end when the marker reaches the last path space?
No. Everyone draws up to five and Replenish is disabled, but play continues to a second shield or the Dark Arts objective — or a draw if cards run out.
Can I use a D.A. Coin instead of the Dark Detector?
No. Each shield is pictured with a specific third item. They aren't interchangeable; spending the Detector moves you back three Loyalty spaces.
Do I automatically take the Dark Detector at Loyalty five?
Only if you're at five or beyond and ahead of every other house. Ties don't displace the holder. At the final space a newcomer takes it, and the old holder steps back one and draws a card.
Must my Loyalty pawn be at five to enter the Room of Requirement?
No. Any house reaching five reveals it for everyone. It closes when all pawns are below five; a pawn inside stays until it reopens. One coin per house.
Can I visit two Location areas on different turns for a Scroll?
No — both areas must be occupied simultaneously. The first Scroll replaces two Location Cards; the second ends your Location supply.
Can the Dark Arts player discard on Replenish?
No. Stand stunned pawns, draw to five, no discards — and the path doesn't advance.
What happens when my Draw Deck runs out?
Shuffle your Discard Pile into a new Draw Deck. Acquired cards go face-down on top of the deck, not into your hand.
Can I Explore, Learn and Replenish in one turn?
No — one Main Action. Free Actions (token, Scroll) and explicit card permissions add to it, never replace it.
Do orange effects need an orange Event first?
No. Entering the colour zone unlocks the effects; Events aren't required. White effects stay available throughout.
Can I deploy onto a space with a stunned Dark Arts pawn?
No. Any Dark Arts pawn there blocks deployment, stunned or not.
How do stunned pawns recover?
Replenish stands them up. House order: draw to five first, then stand pawns. Dark Arts order: stand pawns, then draw to five.
Is this the same game as Hogwarts Battle?
No. Different product, different publisher team — MinaLima with designer David Waterman. Check your box title.
All answers checked against the official rulebook PDF.