Bonus Malus

Naivina · Board game · 2026
2–5 15 min
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Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Fans of quick games with twists will love Bonus Malus — a race where last place is the new first!

Highlights
  • Simple but brilliant mechanics
  • Super-fast matches (15 min)
  • Great for casual groups
Keep in mind
  • May confuse at first
  • Limited to 5 players
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Bonus Malus, you control monks and nuns competing in a cloister, but with a twist: the last place wins! It's a reverse race where you must manage your cards to strategically move characters, avoiding the lead. The cloister has 16 spaces (12 cards + 4 corners), and only one character can occupy each space — except in corners, which are free-for-all zones. Your hand of cards decides who moves and how far, but watch out: sometimes you end up moving another player's piece! The gameplay is fast and full of paradoxical decisions: moving forward can backfire, and helping others might be your best strategy. Perfect for fans of simple mechanics with unexpected twists.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Series: MINI CARD GAME (Naivina)
Publisher Naivina
Designer Tobia Botta

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 5 players. The more, the merrier (and crazier)!
How long does a game last?
About 15 minutes — perfect for a quick match between appointments.
Is it hard to learn?
Nope! Rules are simple, but the reverse strategy (being last) might trip you up at first.
Does it need a lot of space?
No, it's compact. Fits even on small tables.
Who is this game for?
Fans of light games with quirky mechanics and lots of laughs.