Carnival

Carnival is a card game that invites you to build and run an amusement park. Two to four players, ages twelve and up, start with a deck of attraction, ticket, and action cards. On each turn, a player rolls three dice and selects two of them to carry out actions: buying attraction cards, discarding cards from hand or park, or using tickets to alter dice results or block an opponent. The attraction cards represent giant wheels, roller coasters, carousels, hot‑air balloons, and bumper cars; accumulating four of these attractions lets a player open their park and begin drawing visitors. The goal is to be the first to attract 20 visitors, which requires a careful balance between investing in attractions and strategically deploying tickets. The game features bright, easy‑to‑handle components, and the dice mechanic adds an element of unpredictability that keeps the play lively. While the rules are straightforward, there is room for tactical decisions, such as when to use a ticket to block an opponent or when to roll dice that favor your own strategy. Carnival is perfect for those who enjoy fast‑paced card games, have a taste for amusement‑park themes, and appreciate a mix of luck and strategy. Playtime typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of players, and the learning curve is gentle, making it accessible to families and friends alike.