8.1
rating
Ludopedia
7.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
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
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
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.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Wulfhorn Games, AllGo-Games, Devir, Gémklub, Gigamic, Hachette Boardgames USA, Korea Boardgames
Designer
Zach Hoekstra
Artist
Jason Gamber
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,441owners
249wishlist
21want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
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.
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