How does Share Knowledge work in Pandemic?
Two players in the same city can pass the City card for that city between them, in either direction, as 1 action. Both players must agree. The Researcher is the exception: she can give any City card.
The rule:
In Pandemic, Share Knowledge lets two players in the same city pass that city’s City card in either direction for 1 action, as long as both agree. The Researcher is the exception: she can give any City card from her hand.
Share Knowledge is one action. You and another player must be in the same city, and both of you must agree. Then either:
- give the City card matching your current city to the other player, or
- take the City card matching your current city from the other player.
Researcher: she may give any City card from her hand to a player in her city, on either player’s turn. Other players can take any City card from her when sharing with her.
The hand limit applies right away. If the player receiving the card now has more than 7, they discard or play an Event card immediately.
Example:
Ana and Ben are both in Lima. Ben has the Lima card, and on Ana's turn she takes it from him as 1 action. She couldn't take his Tokyo card, because they aren't standing in Tokyo.
Why players argue about it:
It's the most restrictive action in the game, so players assume you can trade any card when you meet. Only the card for the city you're standing in can move.