Gnaughty Gnomes is a fixed partnership, may-follow trick-taker that features a hex board, with each hex color coded to represent the varied quality of mushrooms growing in the forest. The game is played over the course of a single hand which consists of 9 cards per player.

The result of each trick will assign the players different special actions, based on their position within that trick, for their play of a gnome to the board. Each placement is assessed for area majority conditions and the immediate scoring of any gathered mushrooms as victory points. Clever teamwork by placing your naughty gnomes to score the most potent mushrooms will determine the winner.