Forest Shuffle: Build Your Thriving Forest!

Forest Shuffle is a captivating card game. Players require strategic card placement. The game involves collecting various forest elements. These elements include trees, bushes, and creatures. Each card features unique scoring opportunities. Players must optimize their card combinations. The goal is to create a thriving forest ecosystem. Clever card arrangement leads to victory in Forest Shuffle.

Welcome to the Forest – A Shuffle Adventure!

Ever dream of crafting your own flourishing forest, teeming with ancient trees, sly foxes, and hidden glens? Well, grab your metaphorical gardening gloves because Forest Shuffle lets you do just that! This isn’t your average card game; it’s a captivating blend of strategy, resource management, and card synergies that will have you hooked from the first shuffle.

Imagine carefully selecting the perfect species of trees and strategically placing creatures to help your forest thrive. Forest Shuffle puts you in the role of a meticulous forest architect, all from the comfort of your tabletop.

At its heart, Forest Shuffle is about crafting a vibrant ecosystem by playing cards from your hand to your tableau, and using leaves to activate certain cards. Speaking of which, get ready to manage those precious Leaf tokens like a squirrel hoarding acorns for winter! The core components are your Cards, Deck, Discard Pile, and of course those all-important Leaves!

The aim of the game is simple: Score the most Victory Points by the end of the game to prove your forest is the most diverse and thriving. It sounds straightforward, right? But beneath the beautiful artwork and inviting theme lies a surprisingly deep game that rewards clever play and strategic foresight. Each card type adds a different flavour to your gameplay, and it will keep you on your toes, guessing your opponents next move.

What makes Forest Shuffle stand out from the pack? Perhaps it’s the charming artwork, the satisfying feeling of building a thriving ecosystem, or maybe it’s the endless possibilities for card combinations and strategic plays. Intrigued? Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of Forest Shuffle!

Unboxing the Forest: Game Components Overview

Alright, let’s rip open that box and see what treasures await us in Forest Shuffle! Inside this magical realm, you’ll find a delightful assortment of goodies, all crucial to building your thriving woodland. So, what’s in the box? Get ready for a roll call of cards, tokens, and maybe a few surprises.

First and foremost, we have the cards, the heart and soul of Forest Shuffle. Think of them as the building blocks of your ecosystem. You’ll find a variety of these, each playing a unique role in your forest’s development:

• Trees: The foundational elements, providing stability and structure to your growing haven.
• Creatures: These furry, feathery, and scaly inhabitants bring life and synergy to your tableau, often triggering beneficial effects.
• Bushes: Filling the gaps and adding extra layers of complexity and strategic value.
• Locations: Special spots in your forest that can drastically alter your strategy or provide game-changing bonuses.

Each card is beautifully illustrated, making the game a visual treat as much as a strategic challenge. Understanding the significance of each card type is key to mastering Forest Shuffle.

Next up, we have the Leaf tokens. These little green gems are the game’s primary resource, used to “plant” new cards into your forest. Think of them as the currency you’ll need to cultivate your woodland paradise. Managing your leaf supply wisely is crucial; spend them too quickly, and your forest growth will be stunted, hoard them, and you may miss critical opportunities.

Finally, depending on your edition, you might find some other handy components. This could include:

• Scoring tokens: To keep track of your hard-earned Victory Points.
• Player aids: Quick reference guides to help you remember the rules and card effects.

Take a moment to appreciate the care and detail that went into each component. The whimsical artwork and intuitive design make Forest Shuffle an immersive and enjoyable experience from the moment you open the box.

3. Getting Started: Setting Up Your Forest

Alright, aspiring forest architects, let’s get those roots planted and leaves rustling! Setting up Forest Shuffle is as easy as spotting a deer in the woods (well, almost!). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be strategizing your way to victory in no time.

1. Shuffle the deck thoroughly. We don’t want any grumpy gnomes getting the same cards every game, do we? Make sure those cards are mixed up like a squirrel burying its nuts!
2. Deal each player an initial hand of six cards. Hold ’em close; these are the seeds of your future arboreal empire. Don’t let your opponents peek!
3. Place the remaining deck face-down in the center of the table. This is your draw pile, the source of all things green and glorious. Make sure everyone can reach it without causing an avalanche of cards.
4. Next to the draw pile, create the discard pile. This is where cards go to rest after they’ve served their purpose (or when you need some leaves!). Start it with the top card from the draw pile.
5. Create the Leaf Resource Pool. Remember those precious leaf tokens? Place them within easy reach of all players. Leaves are like the game’s currency, so keep a close eye on them!

Initial Hand Strategy:

Now, about that initial hand…try to assess your options. Look for cards that can complement each other, or cards that give you a good starting leaf resource. But don’t overthink it too much – the forest is full of surprises!

Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can introduce some setup variations. For example, some players like to start with a small number of leaves already in their pool. Or you can even deal seven cards instead of six at the beginning. Experiment and see what works best for your group!

Visual Aid: (Imagine here a delightful diagram or photo showing the perfectly arranged game setup – deck, discard pile, leaf tokens, and a couple of starting hands. It’s a forest feast for the eyes!)

Card Compendium: Decoding the Secrets of the Forest Shuffle Cards

Alright, aspiring forest architects! Before you can truly master Forest Shuffle, you gotta understand the language of the forest itself. That means getting up close and personal with the cards – the very building blocks of your thriving ecosystem. Think of this as your crash course in “Card-iology 101,” but way more fun and less stressful than actual medical school.

Cracking the Code: The Anatomy of a Card

Each Forest Shuffle card is packed with information, like a squirrel’s cheek full of nuts. Knowing how to read these cards is crucial for planning your strategy and outsmarting your opponents. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll find on each card:

• Name: The card’s identity. Simple enough, right? But even the name can give you a hint about the card’s purpose.
• Illustration: Beautiful artwork that brings the forest to life! It also helps you quickly identify the card type and theme. Is it a towering tree, a sneaky fox, or a patch of vibrant bushes? Let your imagination fly!
• Leaf Cost: The price of admission to your forest. Located in the upper corner of the card. It tells you how many Leaf tokens you need to “plant” this card. Think of it as the rent your forest needs to stay alive.
• Abilities/Effects: The real meat of the card! This section describes what the card does. This is where the magic happens! Abilities can range from generating resources to scoring bonus points or even messing with your opponents.
• Habitat: Some cards prefer certain neighbors. The card specifies if there are certain Trees, Creatures, Bushes, or Locations it needs to be near to activate.

The Forest Crew: Card Types and Their Roles

Forest Shuffle features four main card types, each with its own unique flavor and purpose:

• Trees: The foundation of your forest. They often provide a steady income of Leaf resources and form the backbone of your ecosystem. They provide a stable foundation and affect the nearby cards.
• Creatures: The wildcards of the forest. They can generate points, manipulate resources, or disrupt your opponents’ plans. They bring unpredictability to the game, either for you or your opponents.
• Bushes: Support roles in your forest. They boost the point value of adjacent cards or provide other helpful effects. Some are great for resource generation and some are great for scoring.
• Locations: Special places in the forest that offer unique abilities or scoring opportunities. They can be game-changers, providing powerful advantages if used wisely.

Meet the Cast: Card Examples and Their Powers

Let’s look at a couple of specific cards to see how their abilities work:

• The Wise Old Oak: This tree might provide a consistent flow of Leaf resources at the start of each turn. It is the heart of your forest.
• The Agile Fox: This creature allows you to steal resources from another player or discard a card from their forest. The trickster of the forest.

Why Card Knowledge is Key:

Understanding the card’s properties is more than just knowing what they do. It’s about anticipating future plays, identifying synergies, and crafting a strategy that takes advantage of your forest’s unique strengths. By knowing how to “read” the cards, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the forest!

Taking a Walk Through the Woods: Your Turn in Forest Shuffle

Alright, nature enthusiasts, let’s dive into the heart of Forest Shuffle – your turn! Think of it as your opportunity to shape the forest to your liking, one card at a time. Each turn is a mini-adventure, filled with choices that will determine the fate of your woodland paradise. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get started!

Drawing Cards: The Gardener’s Choice

First things first, you need new additions to your forest. You’ve got a couple of ways to snag some leafy recruits:

• The Draw Deck: The classic “draw a card” option. It’s a bit of a gamble, but you might just uncover that perfect creature or tree you’ve been searching for.
• The Display: Those face-up cards are ripe for the picking. See something you like? Grab it! Just remember, someone else might have their eye on it too!

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Planting the Seeds: Playing Cards (Planting)

Got a card you love? Time to put it in your forest. But remember, this isn’t just about slapping cards down willy-nilly; there’s a method to the madness!

• Leaf Cost: Every card has a leaf cost. Gotta pay to play, folks! If you don’t have enough leaves, you’ll need to discard some cards.
• Placement Matters: Some cards have specific habitat requirements or need to be adjacent to certain other cards. Pay attention to those symbols and get your placement right!

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Raking the Leaves: Discarding Cards

Sometimes, you need to let go. Discarding cards isn’t ideal, but it’s the key to getting those precious Leaf resources. Every card you discard becomes a Leaf to spend on future plays. Think of it as turning over a new leaf – literally!

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Unleashing the Wild: Activating Abilities

Some cards are more than just pretty pictures; they have special abilities that can give you an edge. Make sure you know when and how to use those abilities! They can be triggered when you play the card or even during other players’ turns.

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Bringing It All Together: An Example

Imagine you draw a Wise Old Tree, that gives you an additional point for every creature next to it at the end of the game. This Tree has a cost of 3 leaves.

You see that your opponents are gathering a lot of creatures, so you decide to get it now! To do this, you discard 3 cards from your hand into the discard pile, which gets you enough leaf tokens to play the Tree. After that, you put it in between two creatures that you played last turn, so you can get a lot of points later.

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Forestry Tactics: Strategic Card Play and Synergies

So, you’ve got your forest floor laid out, a few trees planted, and maybe a squirrel or two scampering around. Now it’s time to transform that patch of green into a thriving ecosystem of points! Forest Shuffle isn’t just about slapping down any old card; it’s about creating a symphony of nature where each element harmonizes to boost your score.

Card Combinations: The Secret Sauce

Think of your cards as ingredients in a delicious forest stew. Some ingredients taste great on their own, but when combined, they create something truly special. This is the essence of card synergies in Forest Shuffle. Look for cards that have effects that play off one another. Perhaps a specific tree attracts certain creatures, or a particular bush provides shelter that benefits a neighboring location.

The game of Forest Shuffle offers many paths to victory, and the clever use of card combinations can accelerate your climb to the top of the food chain.

Habitat Harmony: Where You Plant Matters

Imagine trying to grow a cactus in the arctic. Wouldn’t work, right? The same principle applies to your forest. Each card has a preferred habitat, and understanding these preferences is crucial for maximizing your points. Some creatures thrive near specific trees, while others prefer the shade of a particular bush.

Strategic placement is the key to creating a happy and productive ecosystem. Pay close attention to the requirements listed on each card, and try to position them in a way that satisfies their needs. You might find yourself rearranging your forest to accommodate a particularly valuable card, but trust me, it’s often worth the effort!

Synergistic Effects

Forest Shuffle offers myriad ways to string combinations together. For example, you can create point engines that can compound throughout the entire game, or play defensively by placing cards that limit or directly eliminate an opponent’s ability to score.

Examples of Powerful Card Combos: Unleash the Wild!

Let’s get down to brass tacks with some real-world (well, card-world) examples.

• The Classic Combo: The right Tree Card + Creature Card with ability
  This can create a basic point-generating engine or a card that limits opponents. The possibilities with this basic combo are endless.

• Location-Based Bonanza: Location + Creature/Tree Combo Cards

  Use locations to get points from creatures or trees that are placed in your forest. The location acts as a scoring bonus multiplier for your trees or creatures.

Experimentation is Key: Become a Forest Alchemist

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and experiment with different card combinations. Forest Shuffle is a game that rewards creativity and outside-the-box thinking. The more you play, the more you’ll discover hidden synergies and powerful strategies. So go forth, shuffle those cards, and create a forest that’s as unique and vibrant as your imagination!

Resourceful Planning: Mastering Leaf Management

Alright, aspiring forest architects, let’s talk Leaves! In Forest Shuffle, these little green tokens aren’t just pretty; they’re your lifeblood. Think of them as the currency of your woodland empire. You can have the grandest designs for your forest, but without a steady supply of Leaves, you’re just another squirrel trying to bury a nut for the winter. Resource management is absolutely key to success. It’s not just about hoarding every Leaf you can find; it’s about making smart investments and planning for the future.

Balancing the Budget: Leaf Cost vs. Card Value

Every card you play comes with a Leaf price tag. Some of the flashier, higher-scoring cards can be downright expensive, requiring a substantial pile of leaves to bring them into your forest. That’s why you’ve gotta consider the long-term value of each card against its immediate cost. Is that majestic Ancient Tree worth the hefty Leaf investment, or would you be better off planting a few more humble Bushes to get the ball rolling? It’s all about finding the right balance between immediate gratification and future prosperity.

Predicting the Autumn: Anticipating Future Needs

The forest floor is constantly changing, and so are your resource needs. What looks like a mountain of Leaves today can quickly dwindle when you spot a card that perfectly synergizes with your existing ecosystem. That’s why it’s crucial to think a few turns ahead. Are there any high-cost cards you’re eyeing? Do you need to ramp up your Leaf generation to support your ambitious plans? Predicting the ebb and flow of your resources will give you a significant edge over your opponents.

Leafonomics 101: Optimizing Generation

So, how do you actually get more Leaves? Discarding cards is the most basic method, but there are far more creative ways to boost your Leaf income. Some cards have abilities that generate Leaves passively, while others provide bonus Leaves when certain conditions are met. Experiment with different card combinations to create a self-sustaining Leaf-generating engine. Think of it like building a mini-economy within your forest – the more efficient your economy, the faster your forest will grow.

Spend Wisely, Grow Wildly

In the end, mastering Leaf management comes down to making informed decisions. When do you splurge on that game-changing creature? When do you hold back and stockpile resources? There’s always a balance to consider in every action. By understanding the value of each Leaf and planning strategically, you’ll be well on your way to building a flourishing forest that’s the envy of all woodland creatures. Now go forth and prosper!

The Winding Path: Engine Building and Chain Reactions

• What is ‘Engine Building?’ – Think of it as crafting a well-oiled machine within your forest. Instead of cogs and gears, you’re using cards that trigger each other, creating a loop of actions that benefit you each turn.

• How it impacts gameplay:

  • Exponential Growth: A good engine turns small benefits into huge advantages.
  • Resource Generation: Your engine can consistently produce Leaves, freeing you from relying solely on discarding.
  • Point Generation: A well-designed engine directly converts actions into VP, helping you dominate the final scoring.

• Creating a Self-Sustaining System – The goal is to have cards that play off each other: card A triggers card B, which then provides a bonus that helps activate card C, and so on. Ideally, your engine continues to run once you’ve started it, requiring minimal effort on your part each turn. This could involve chaining resource generation, drawing extra cards, or triggering point-scoring abilities repeatedly.

• Engine-Building Strategies and Implementation:

  • Resource Conversion: Use cards to convert excess Leaves into card draws or VP.
  • Card Draw Chains: Create a loop where drawing one card leads to drawing another, increasing your options.
  • Habitat Synergies: Trigger bonus effects based on the combination of Habitats in your forest.
• Identifying Key Cards Early On – Keep an eye out for cards that have the potential to be a cornerstone of your engine. These are often cards with reusable abilities or effects that benefit from other cards being present. Snag these cards early and build your strategy around them.

Outwit the Woodland Rivals: The Art of Anticipation

• Know Thy Neighbor (and Their Forest):

  • Just like in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location… and in Forest Shuffle, it’s about observation, observation, observation! Pay close attention to what your opponents are collecting. Are they hoarding certain types of trees? Are they desperately trying to complete a set of critters? Understanding their goals is the first step to disrupting their plans. Think of it as reading their forest tarot cards – what does their current spread tell you about their future intentions?

• The Denial Game: Strategic Card Blocking

  • Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense… by denying your opponents what they need. If you spot them eyeing a card in the discard pile that would complete their master plan, snatch it up! Even if it doesn’t directly benefit you, preventing them from scoring big points can be a game-changer. It’s like playing forest poker: bluffing, misdirection, and knowing when to fold (or in this case, discard).

• Predicting the Draw: Deck Manipulation (sort of)

  • While you can’t actually stack the deck (that’s cheating, folks!), you can use the discard pile to infer what might be coming up next. If a lot of high-value cards of a certain type have been discarded, chances are there are fewer of them left in the deck. This can help you make informed decisions about whether to draw from the deck or take a chance on the face-up cards. It’s all about playing the odds and making calculated risks.

• The Indirect Route: Messing with Their Engine

  • Okay, so maybe you can’t directly tear down their carefully constructed forest engine (unless you’re playing a very mean card, of course). But you can throw a wrench in the works by disrupting their resource flow or preventing them from activating key abilities. For example, if they rely heavily on a specific location card, consider hoarding cards that negate its effects. It’s like a forest sabotage mission – subtle, strategic, and oh-so-satisfying.

• Adapt, Improvise, Overcome:

  • The forest is a dynamic and ever-changing place, and so is a game of Forest Shuffle. No plan survives first contact with the opponent. Be prepared to adjust your strategy on the fly, based on their actions and the changing availability of cards. The best Forest Shuffle players aren’t just skilled; they’re adaptable! Remember to stay flexible, watch your opponents and have fun!

End of the Season: Triggering the Endgame and Final Scoring

Alright, gather ’round, forest enthusiasts! All good things must come to an end, even our little woodland utopia. But don’t fret, because the endgame in Forest Shuffle is where the real bragging rights are earned! So, how do we know when it’s time to pack up our leaf tokens and declare a winner?

The game concludes the moment a player empties their hand completely. Yes, you heard it right! Once you’ve played or discarded every last card, shout it from the (digital) rooftops! This signals that the forest’s growing season has reached its natural conclusion and it’s time to see whose ecosystem is the most prosperous.

Calculating Your Forest Fortune: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the fun part, counting all those hard-earned points! Here’s how we tally up the value of your forest and determine who is the ultimate steward of the woods:

1. Card Values: Each card in your forest has a point value printed on it. Simply add up the base point values of all the cards in your tableau.

2. Scoring Multipliers: Ah, here’s where the strategy shines! Many cards have scoring multipliers, like “2 points for each Bush” or “3 points for each Creature.” Apply these multipliers based on the cards you have in your forest. Synergies are key, folks!

3. Bonus Points: Keep an eye out for cards that award bonus points for specific conditions or card combinations. These can be game-changers!

4. Total Tally: Add everything up – card values, multiplied bonuses, and any other bonus points you’ve earned. The player with the highest total score is crowned the champion of the forest!

Making it Clear as Mud (Just Kidding!) : Example Time!

Let’s say you’ve got a forest with:

• A Tree card worth 3 points.
• Two Bush cards, and a card that gives you 2 points for each Bush
• A Creature card worth 5 points
• A Location card that gives you 4 bonus points

Your score would be:

3 (Tree) + 2 (Bush 1) + 2 (Bush 2) + 4 (Bush scoring) + 5 (Creature) + 4 (location) = 20 points!

See? It’s not rocket science, it’s forest science! Understanding these scoring mechanics is essential for planning your strategy throughout the game. Knowing how to maximize your points will make you a force to be reckoned with in any Forest Shuffle showdown. Happy scoring!

Rules Corner: Clearing Up the Forest Undergrowth 🌿

Ever feel like you’re wandering through a dense forest of rules, unsure which path to take? Fear not, fellow Forest Shufflers! This is where we shine a light on some common confusions and tricky spots in the game. Consider this your friendly ranger station, here to guide you through the tangled vines of the rulebook. Let’s untangle some common question marks and make sure your forest thrives by playing fair and square!

FAQ: Your Forest Shuffle Questions Answered!

• “Can I play a card if I don’t exactly have the Leaf cost?” Think of Leaves as hard-earned acorns! You absolutely need the precise amount. No borrowing from squirrels or IOUs allowed! So, plan your harvesting carefully, and make sure you have enough to plant that majestic Oak or sneaky Fox.

• “If a card says, ‘Draw a card,’ do I have to?” Unless specified otherwise on the card, any action a card allows you to do is optional. The beauty of Forest Shuffle is you get to make choices. Do you need that extra card? Or is your hand already overflowing with potential?

• “What happens if the deck runs out of cards?” Don’t panic! The forest isn’t ending just yet. Simply reshuffle the discard pile to create a brand new deck. This ensures the game can keep going, even if you and your opponents are playing card-hungry! Think of it like the circle of life – discarded cards return to nourish the forest!

• “Can you play a card on your opponent’s forest?” Nope! In Forest Shuffle, you manage your personal forest ecosystem only. Think of it as building your own nature preserve, and not interfering with other’s.

Ambiguous Areas: Nailing Down the Tricky Bits

• Card abilities that trigger “when a card is played”: Does this refer to when a card is played into your own forest, or any forest? Unless the card specifically states otherwise, it usually refers to a card being played in your forest. Read the card carefully for specific wording.

• Simultaneous Effects: Sometimes, multiple card effects trigger at the same time. Decide the order in which these are resolved. For example, in multiplayer mode you can choose what order they activate to benefit you most.

Quick Reference Guide: Forest Shuffle Essentials

• Leaves are Currency: You need Leaves to play cards into your forest. Discarding cards is the primary way to gain them.
• Card Placement Matters: Pay attention to the habitat requirements on cards. Certain creatures thrive near specific trees or bushes.
• Card Abilities are Key: Understanding the abilities of your cards is essential for strategic play. Look for synergies and combos to maximize your score.
• VP are everything: You need the most victory points to win!

Leveling Up: Advanced Forest Shuffle Strategies

Alright, nature enthusiasts! So, you’ve mastered the basics, built a few forests, and maybe even snagged a win or two. But the forest is a competitive place, and if you want to truly dominate, it’s time to delve into some advanced strategies. Think of it as earning your Master Gardener certificate in Forest Shuffle!

Know Thy Neighbor: Analyzing Opponent’s Forests

You can’t just focus on your own little patch of woodland. A savvy player keeps a close eye on what everyone else is doing. What cards are they collecting? What habitats are they building? What glaring vulnerabilities can you exploit?

• Decoding the Forest: Are they going heavy on a particular card type? This can help you predict their future moves and potentially block them.
• Habitat Watch: Are they struggling to complete a specific habitat? Maybe you can snatch that key card right out from under their noses.
• Anticipating the Endgame: Try to predict how many points your opponents will score and what card combinations they might be aiming for. This allows you to dynamically adjust your play style and interfere with their strategic plays.

Card Control: Manipulating the Flow

The deck and discard pile aren’t just random sources of cards; they’re tools you can use to your advantage. Learn to manipulate the card flow to get what you need and deny your opponents what they want.

• The Discard Pile as Bait: Sometimes, discarding a seemingly valuable card can lure an opponent into a trap. They might think they’re getting a great deal, but you’re setting them up for something else entirely.
• Deck Awareness: Keeping track of the cards that have been played and the cards in the discard pile can help you estimate what might be left in the deck.
• Strategic Discarding: Choose discards not just based on what you don’t need, but also on what might benefit or hinder your opponents.

Adapt or Perish: Changing Strategy on the Fly

The best-laid plans of squirrels and humans often go awry. Forest Shuffle is a dynamic game, and you need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

• The Unexpected Draw: Sometimes, you’ll draw a card that completely throws off your strategy. Don’t be afraid to change course and explore new possibilities.
• Opponent Interference: Your opponents will try to mess with your plans. Be prepared to pivot and find alternative routes to victory.
• Recognizing Opportunities: Sometimes the best strategies are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly. Be alert and learn to be versatile and adapt to the dynamic nature of the game.

The forest is a challenging place, but with these advanced strategies in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true Forest Shuffle master! Now go forth and build a forest that would make even the oldest oak tree jealous.

So, grab your cards, gather your friends, and dive into the whimsical world of Forest Shuffle. With a bit of strategy and a dash of luck, you’ll be building your own little woodland ecosystem in no time. Happy shuffling, and may the best forest win!