—
rating
Ludopedia
7.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a unique card game that thrives on player interaction and clever negotiation, Bohnanza is a fantastic choice. Its core mechanic of un-reorderable hands creates delightful tension and drives constant trading.
Highlights
- Unique hand management creates engaging dilemmas
- Excellent player interaction and negotiation
- Surprisingly strategic for a card game
- Great fun with a lively group
Keep in mind
- Can be slow with indecisive traders
- Initial rules explanation might feel clunky
RECOMMENDED
Bohnanza is a card game where you grow and sell beans — and the catch is you can't reorder the cards in your hand. Each player starts with a handful of random bean cards and two or three fields in front of them. On your turn, you must plant the first one or two cards from your hand into your fields. Each field holds only one bean type, so if you draw a type you have no room for, you'll need to harvest (sell) an entire field to make space — and that's rarely a good move.
The heart of the game is trading. After planting, you flip two cards from the deck and can swap any cards in your hand or those two new ones with other players. You can even promise future cards in exchange for what you need right now. The rule that every deal must involve the active player keeps things lively and prevents quiet backroom exchanges.
When you harvest a field, you convert the bean cards into coins using the beanometer — the more beans of the same type, the higher the payout. When the deck runs out, you shuffle the discards and play through it two more times. At the end, everyone harvests whatever is left in their fields, and the player with the most coins wins.
Designed by Uwe Rosenberg in 1997, Bohnanza is a timeless classic that hasn't aged a bit. It's easy to learn but has enough strategic depth to satisfy both newcomers and seasoned players. There are base, expanded (includes the first expansion and supports up to 7 players), Pocket, and even a 2023 flower-themed edition. The Brazilian version includes the Erweiterungs-Set and adapted two-player rules based on Al Cabohne.
The heart of the game is trading. After planting, you flip two cards from the deck and can swap any cards in your hand or those two new ones with other players. You can even promise future cards in exchange for what you need right now. The rule that every deal must involve the active player keeps things lively and prevents quiet backroom exchanges.
When you harvest a field, you convert the bean cards into coins using the beanometer — the more beans of the same type, the higher the payout. When the deck runs out, you shuffle the discards and play through it two more times. At the end, everyone harvests whatever is left in their fields, and the player with the most coins wins.
Designed by Uwe Rosenberg in 1997, Bohnanza is a timeless classic that hasn't aged a bit. It's easy to learn but has enough strategic depth to satisfy both newcomers and seasoned players. There are base, expanded (includes the first expansion and supports up to 7 players), Pocket, and even a 2023 flower-themed edition. The Brazilian version includes the Erweiterungs-Set and adapted two-player rules based on Al Cabohne.
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
2
OK
3
REC
4
BEST
5
BEST
6
REC
7
REC
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
AMIGO, 999 Games, Albi, Brain Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Copag Cards (Copag)
Designer
Uwe Rosenberg
Artist
Beth Sobel, Björn Pertoft, Klemens Franz, Mady Nijenhuis
How long does a game take?
About 45 to 60 minutes, depending on player count. With 7 players it can run a bit longer.
How many players does it support?
2 to 7 — the base game supports 3 to 5, but the expanded edition and Al Cabohne-inspired rules allow 2 and up to 7.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all. The rules are straightforward and you get the feel of the game after the first play. The depth comes from trading and decisions, not from rule complexity.
What's in the box?
Bean cards, coin cards, individual field boards, and rules. The Brazilian version includes the first expansion.
Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys card games with lively negotiation. It works great with families, friend groups, and experienced players — everyone finds fun in it.
Are there differences between editions?
The base edition is for 3-5 players. The expanded edition adds rules for 2 and 7. There's also a Pocket version and a 2023 flower-themed edition.
Can I play it solo?
No official solo mode. The game relies entirely on player interaction and negotiation.