# Bonesai

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: —
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy
- **Mechanics**: Tile Placement

## Verdict
A high-level cerebral duel using nothing but a domino set!Pure and deep strategyFast and intense matchesZero reliance on luckPortable and minimalistRequires constant logical thinkingStrictly for two playersFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Think you know everything about dominoes? Think again! Bonesai takes the classic double-six domino set and transforms it into a pure strategic duel that will keep your brain firing on all cylinders. Forget the idea of just 'atching tiles'; here, you are literally building a tree of decisions. Everything starts with a 'double' that acts as the tree's root. From there, players extend branches using regular tiles, either going straight or turning to create new forks. The real game-changer is the strategic use of doubles: playing one crosswise closes a branch for good, preventing your opponent from using it. It's a high-tension game of spatial management and risk. Since hands are open (chess-style), there's no hiding what your opponent holds; the only uncertainty is the face-down boneyard. The goal is both strategic and mathematical: you want the round to end with the lowest possible pips in your hand. If you can 'trangle' the tree by closing off options, you win the round. Conversely, if you're holding a heavy hand, you'll need to branch out to buy time. It's a zero-sum game where every move can be the start of a brilliant victory or a fatal error. It's fast, intense, and perfect for anyone seeking a cerebral challenge without needing a massive manual or a giant board. All you need is your domino set and a fierce desire to outsmart your opponent through pure reasoning.

## FAQ
### Do I need a board to play Bonesai?
Nope! You just need a standard double-six domino set. The game itself is built directly on the table with the tiles.

### Is there much luck involved?
Very little. Hands are open like in chess, so the focus is entirely on your strategy and reading your opponent.

### How many players is this game for?
Bonesai is a pure duel, specifically designed to be played by exactly two players.

### How long does a game take?
Rounds are quick, but a full match (to 100 points) can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

### What is the complexity level?
It's a medium-to-high weight game. The rules are simple, but the strategic depth is massive.