Face cards are royal figureheads. Numbered cards are influential members of the royal court. The Aces are royal assassins. There are 3 "years" of play. At the end of the 3 years, the assassins are sent out. After all murders occur, a winner is determined. Figureheads total the political strength of their supporters. A player wins by owning the most powerful living figurehead. http://www.pagat.com/invented/royal_ace-assin.html