La Macarena

Players collect cards representing four elements (fire, earth, air, water) over a series of hands to earn element tokens; holding one of each token lets a player exchange them for an amulet, and the first to reach the required number of amulets wins. On a turn, a player draws, then may either pass or play one or more cards onto one of seven tableau piles by matching color or value or by playing a card whose value is one higher or lower; chains that follow these rules can be taken into the player’s personal collection except for the chain’s last card. Each card appears twice, and playing onto a twin card creates a temporary blockade and grants an extra turn with special privileges. Rounds end when a player empties their hand or the draw pile is exhausted, at which point element tokens are awarded and a new hand begins if no one has won.

Players: 2–5 best 3
Playing time: 20–40 min
Age: 10+
Complexity: 1.6 / 5