Each player simultaneously selects 1 bid card from their hand and places it face down on top of the previously played bid card (or the starting bid card on the first turn).

Once everyone is ready, the bid cards are flipped at the same time.

Players establish the playing order from highest to lowest bid.

In player order, each player selects 1 painting tile from the auction area.

Before committing to taking a painting, each player can "try it out" on their gallery in order to see if it respects the placement rules.

If two or more players play the same bid card, they reveal the bid card underneath the one they played and break the tie this way.