Put on your best smile and sharpen your hidden dagger, because the Queen's banquet has begun! In Courtisans, you aren't just a guest; you are in a cold war of influence and prestige. The goal is simple: end the night as the court's favorite, but the path there is paved with betrayals and dirty tricks.

The game dynamics revolve around how you distribute your cards each turn. You receive three cards and must decide where each will have the greatest impact. One is played at the Queen's table, where you attempt to manipulate the influence of the noble families—either boosting someone's status or throwing mud to bring the competition down. The other two cards are played in the domains: one in your own and one in an opponent's.

The clever twist here is that the value of these cards in the domain (positive or negative) depends entirely on how that family's influence ended up at the Queen's table. In other words, you can plant 'bombs' in your friend's territory and then manipulate the court so those cards become heavy penalties. It's a game of risk, calculation, and a lot of mischief. Will you focus on building your own empire of influence or spend your energy sabotaging everyone around you? With quick sessions of 20 to 30 minutes, Courtisans is perfect for those who love the 'I'm helping you, but actually, I'm screwing you over' vibe.