1
Add first-player token
The first player adds the first-player token to the item pool
2
Select an item
Choose any item from the pool and place it on a numbered space in your Daily Collection area on your player mat
3
Continue clockwise
Each player repeats selection, taking 1 item at a time until each player's Daily Collection contains 6 items
4
View face-down stamps
If you select a face-down stamp, you may view it, but it remains face down
5
Activate specialists immediately
Specialist cards become active when selected and remain active while in your play area
6
Claim unselected token
If the first-player token is still in the pool at phase end, the last player to select an item gains it and places it beneath their Daily Collection
7
Reserve one item
Place one non-rare item in the Reserve area on your player mat (you cannot reserve rare stamps even if face down)
8
Split remaining items
Divide remaining items into 2 piles above your player mat, each pile having at least one item, with face-down stamps remaining face down
9
Choose a pile
Starting with the first-player token holder, choose one pile from above an opponent's player mat and place it below your own
10
Opponent responds
That opponent places their remaining pile below their mat and proceeds to choose a pile, revealing face-down stamps after choosing
11
Handle no available piles
If a player has no opponent's pile to take, they move both of their own piles below their player mat
12
Add attendee cards
Place new exhibitor and specialist cards to the right of existing cards so all are visible
13
Place stamps in album
Position stamps in empty spaces within your grid without overlapping other stamps or edges; existing stamps cannot be moved
14
Orient stamps correctly
Place stamps upright with value or cancellation mark displayed at the top right
15
Discard unplaceable stamps
If a stamp cannot be placed, discard it and immediately gain points equal to its value (may result in negative points)
16
Score exhibitors
Gain points as shown on your exhibitor cards
17
Score first-player token
If you have the first-player token, score 2 points
18
Choose a contest
Select one contest card without your show ticket, score points for its condition, then place one of your show tickets there
19
End the round
Discard the top event card, discard remaining pool items, and advance the phase token to the next round
