Coloretto

ABACUSSPIELE, 999 Games, Brain Games · Board game · 2003
2–5 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.3/5
rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those looking for a fast-paced card game with a touch of mischief and risk. The highlight is the tension of being forced to take unwanted cards.

Highlights
  • Learn the rules in five minutes
  • Constant competitive tension
  • Intriguing exponential scoring
  • Direct player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Luck significantly influences the outcome
  • Can be frustrating for those who hate losing points
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever played a game that seems straightforward but puts you in a cruel dilemma every single round? That's Coloretto. The premise is simple: you want to collect sets of cards of the same color to score. However, there's a catch: you only score positively for the three colors you've collected the most. Any other color in your hand becomes a penalty. This is where the fun (and the mischief) begins!

On your turn, you have two choices: either draw a card from the deck and place it in one of the rows on the table, or claim an entire row of cards for your collection. The twist is that rows have a maximum limit of three cards. Once a row is full, someone is forced to take it. And if that row is filled with colors you don't want? Well, you'll either have to swallow the loss or try to 'push' the bad cards onto the next player.

To help you out, there are Jokers, which are incredibly valuable as they act as wildcards for any color, and +2 cards, which provide guaranteed points regardless of your sets—perfect for when your color strategy goes south. Scoring uses a triangular system: the first card is worth 1 point, the second 2, the third 3, and so on. In other words, the larger your set of a specific color, the exponentially more points you earn.

It's a game of 'push your luck' and risk management. You try to build your sets, but you always run the risk of being forced to take a pile of cards that will wreck your final score. It's fast, tense, and perfect for those who enjoy watching their friends struggle with their own choices. Some versions also include two-player variants and expansions that add new cards and limits, making the dynamics even more spicy.
Rules videos

In English

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

Categories

Families

Animals: Chameleons Category: Color Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Coloretto Players: Games with expansions that change player count
Publisher ABACUSSPIELE, 999 Games, Brain Games, Corfix, Devir, DV Games, G3, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, HomoLudicus, Kaissa Chess & Games, Korea Boardgames, Lautapelit.fi, Lifestyle Boardgames Ltd, Möbius Games, Oya, PS-Games, Red Glove, Rio Grande Games, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
Designer Michael Schacht
Artist Guido Favaro, Michael Schacht, Oksana Svistun
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are super simple, and you can explain them to your group in under 5 minutes.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 5 players. Some versions have specific rules for 2 players to keep the balance.
How long does a game last?
It's very quick, usually lasting around 30 minutes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, since it's visual and has simple rules, it's great for introducing set collection mechanics to kids.
What happens if I collect too many different colors?
That's the danger! You only score positively for your top 3 colors; all other colors subtract points from your total.