When can you take 2 gems of the same color in Splendor?
Only when that color's stack has at least 4 pieces in it before you take them. If there are 3 or fewer left, you can't take 2 of that color, though you can still take 1 as part of a 3-different-colors turn.
The rule:
In Splendor, you can take 2 gems of the same color only if that color’s stack holds at least 4 pieces before you take them. With 3 or fewer left you can’t take 2, though you can still take 1 in a 3-color turn.
The test is before you take: count the stack. 4 or more, and you may take 2 of that color. 3 or fewer, and you can’t.
Gold never counts. You can’t take gold with this action.
Smaller games, smaller stacks:
| Players | Pieces per gem color at the start |
|---|---|
| 4 | 7 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 2 | 4 |
In a 2-player game, taking even 1 gem from a full stack of 4 makes doubles of that color unavailable until pieces come back.
Example:
There are 3 emeralds left in the supply. Ana wants 2 of them, but the stack needs at least 4, so she can't. She could take 1 emerald along with 2 gems of other colors instead.
Why players argue about it:
Players check whether 2 are available, not whether 4 are. In 2- and 3-player games the stacks start smaller, so the rule comes up quickly.