Before the game begins, players divide into teams of two, with each pair forming an alliance. Players on the same team sit opposite each other. Each team works together to collect the required number of Gold Nuggets between the two team members:

4 players: 12 Gold Nuggets per team
6 players: 8 Gold Nuggets per team

Once the required number of Gold Nuggets is collected, both players must reach the Mine Entrance together to make their escape and win the game.

Partners on the same tile and path may hand off Gold Nuggets to each other during the Miner Action phase of a turn, which may be important for Gold Challenges. Team members may not Challenge each other.