Hagakure

A compact trick-taking game for 3–5 players set in a sparse, Japanese-themed deck of numbered villagers, higher-value samurai, and a few unruly “old fools.” Each round players are dealt 4–5 cards and a small face-down pile (the Goze) remains; players may spend one of five Nobori tokens to use a special power—peek at a hand, swap with the Goze, double scoring, etc.—before play begins. The lead plays a card and others follow; highest card wins the trick. If a samurai (red) is led, players must follow with a samurai if able. Old fools score only when a second or third is played to the same trick, giving the last old fool played the trick. Players score one point per trick and one extra for capturing the 16; taking no tricks costs two points. Multiple rounds are played and the highest total wins.

Players: 3–5 best 5
Playing time: 25 min
Age: 10+
Complexity: 1.1 / 5