<p>You're playing it right. From <a href="http://zmangames.com/rulebooks/Stone_Age.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">the rules</a> (page 6):</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Each player places their [Civilization] cards face-down on the corresponding space of their player board.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>In other words, no one can see which cards you have. The only exceptions to this rule are the one-use tool cards. They are kept open until they are used.</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/DQgXq.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/DQgXq.png" alt="one-use tool cards"></a><br>
<em>One-use tool cards</em></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-12T14:44:18.233Z
It is worth noting that with the exception of the card that gives you an immediate bonus of the top card in the pile, all cards gotten are seen at some point, so it is trackable who has which cards, and being able to memorize this information is useful.
GendoIkari
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-12T15:37:31.313Z
@GendoIkari You could even way that playing with open cards is a way to disadvantage those with good memory, or those whose strategy involves collecting a lot of cards. I'd edit all this in, but I really prefer short and simple.
freekvd
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-12T13:23:45.153Z
2015-08-12T14:17:31.727Z
2015-08-12T14:17:31.727Z
freekvd
<p>In Stone Age, when you build a boat you receive a Civilization card. This card gives you an immediate bonus, as well as some form of additional points to be calculated at the end of the game.  I've always played that when these cards are purchased, they are placed face down on the player's individual board.<br>
I recently saw a game played where the cards are placed face-up in front of each player.  This changed the dynamic of the game as players could immediately see which cards where more beneficial to certain people.</p>

<p><strong>What is the correct placement for these cards and are other players allowed to look at previous cards you've purchased?</strong></p>

<stone-age>
Are the boats you build in Stone Age visible to other players?
ovaltein
# Are the boats you build in Stone Age visible to other players?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-08-12)

In Stone Age, when you build a boat you receive a Civilization card. This card gives you an immediate bonus, as well as some form of additional points to be calculated at the end of the game. I've always played that when these cards are purchased, they are placed face down on the player's individual board.  
I recently saw a game played where the cards are placed face-up in front of each player. This changed the dynamic of the game as players could immediately see which cards where more beneficial to certain people.

**What is the correct placement for these cards and are other players allowed to look at previous cards you've purchased?**

**Tags:** stone-age


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-08-12. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

You're playing it right. From [the rules](http://zmangames.com/rulebooks/Stone_Age.pdf) (page 6):

> Each player places their [Civilization] cards face-down on the corresponding space of their player board.

In other words, no one can see which cards you have. The only exceptions to this rule are the one-use tool cards. They are kept open until they are used.

[![one-use tool cards](https://i.sstatic.net/DQgXq.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/DQgXq.png)  
*One-use tool cards*

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: It is worth noting that with the exception of the card that gives you an immediate bonus of the top card in the pile, all cards gotten are seen at some point, so it is trackable who has which cards, and being able to memorize this information is useful.  
> **username_1**: @username_2 You could even way that playing with open cards is a way to disadvantage those with good memory, or those whose strategy involves collecting a lot of cards. I'd edit all this in, but I really prefer short and simple.  

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