Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love fast-paced games about hoarding points and stylishly screwing over friends.
Highlights
- Dynamic and quick gameplay
- Mean and direct interaction
- Simple and intuitive rules
- Premium feel components
Keep in mind
- Can be cruel for sensitive players
- Card draw luck affects the outcome
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About the game
What you do in a play session
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.
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.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Catch Up Games, Evrikus, GateOnGames, Hachette Boardgames UK, Hobby Japan, HUCH!, Lucky Duck Games, Maldito Games, MIPL, Pandasaurus Games, Popcorn Games, Reflexshop, Tower Tactic Games, White Goblin Games
Designer
Anthony Perone, Romaric Galonnier
Artist
Noëmie Chevalier
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
9,512owners
2,210wishlist
218want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game very complex?
Not at all! It has a low weight (1.3 on BGG), so you'll learn how to play in a few minutes and start manipulating the court immediately.
How long does a game last?
It's quite fast, between 20 and 30 minutes. Great as a filler between longer games.
Can it be played with any number of people?
Yes, it works from 2 to 5 players. The more people, the more chaos and betrayals!
Is it family-friendly?
Depends on the family! Since it features 'Take That' mechanics, be ready for some laughs and some light arguments.
What's in the box?
Besides the cards, the game features cloth boards, which add a special charm and make organization easier.
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