Canal Houses

Wulfhorn Games, AllGo-Games, Devir · Board game · 2024
2–5 · best 4 20 min Weight 1.3/5
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy quick card games with a building twist and a super charming theme, Canal Houses is the right choice! It's that satisfying game to play anytime.

Highlights
  • Cute house building
  • Snappy hand draft
  • Quick and easy to learn
  • Charming Amsterdam theme
Keep in mind
  • May lack depth
  • Draft luck matters
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About the game
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and build the most charming canal houses in Amsterdam with Canal Houses! This super light and fast-paced card game is perfect for those looking to relax and add a touch of creativity. With it, you and your friends (2 to 5 players, to be exact) will have a blast assembling an idyllic set of buildings, each more beautiful than the last. The idea is simple: use 'base', 'floor', and 'roof' cards to erect your houses. Each round, everyone simultaneously chooses a card from their hand and adds it to their construction. Then, the remaining cards are passed to the player on your left, and you receive a new batch from the player on your right. But pay attention: after building, you can still grab an extra card to give your hand of four cards that finishing touch. The objective is clear: assemble complete houses, starting with a base, adding as many floors as you like, and finishing with a roof. It's a bottom-up construction, so plan each step carefully! Canal Houses is the kind of game you pick up for a quick play but ends up leaving you wanting more. It's ideal for kicking off a game night or for those moments when the group wants something fun and uncomplicated. The illustrations are a highlight, bringing all the charm of Amsterdam to your table.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 OK
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Cities: Amsterdam (The Netherlands) Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Beveled Boxes (Gigamic) Theme: Construction
Publisher Wulfhorn Games, AllGo-Games, Devir, Gémklub, Gigamic, Hachette Boardgames USA, Korea Boardgames
Designer Zach Hoekstra
Artist Jason Gamber
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Canal Houses?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players and works well at all counts.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
Not at all! Canal Houses is quite simple and the rules are easy to grasp. Perfect for beginners or those looking for something light.
What are the main components of the game?
The game primarily consists of cards representing house parts (bases, floors, roofs) and other thematic elements.
What type of player is Canal Houses best suited for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy card games with drafting and set collection mechanics, seeking quick games with a light and visually appealing theme.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Interaction is indirect, mainly through card drafting. You might take a card another player wanted, but there's no direct conflict.