Blanco

Each player in Blanco starts with a face-down 3x3 grid of cards, with each card showing a number (1-12) and a colored vertical stripe. To complete set up, turn one card face up, look at another card, then draw a hand of two cards. On a turn, draw a card from the deck or discard pile, then either (1) discard a card and reveal a face-down card in your grid or (2) discard a grid card and replace it with a face-up card from your hand. Alternatively, instead of drawing a card, you can swap two orthogonally adjacent cards, turning one of them face up, if possible. If all cards in a vertical column now have the same color, clear that column; if all cards in a horizontal row now have the same number, clear that row. Whenever you clear a row, you may look at one of your face-down cards. If you manage to have a chain reaction — clearing two lines on the same turn — you may turn over one of your face-down cards. As soon as you have cleared your 3x3 grid, deal yourself a new face-down 4x3 grid, then turn one card face up and look at another. Whoever first clears their 4x3 grid wins.

Players: 2–5 best 2
Playing time: 10–30 min
Age: 8+
Complexity: 1 / 5