Damask

Radical 8 Games · Board game · 2022
1–4 · best 2 Solo 30–60 min Weight 2.0/5
rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

An elegant, thematic puzzle for fans of pattern building and light resource management.

Highlights
  • Very fluid cube mechanic
  • Visually enchanting theme
  • Simple and fast rules
  • Great for families and experts
Keep in mind
  • Some luck in the drafting
  • Requires focus on sequence bonuses
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Get your loom ready, because Damask is whisking you away to the luxurious textile houses of Venice! Inspired by the historic Silk Road, this game casts you as a master weaver striving to create the most coveted fabrics of the era: damasks. Your mission is straightforward yet sophisticated: amass wealth and earn the favor of the Weavers' Guild through flawless patterns.

The gameplay revolves around two main pillars. First, you'll draft damask cards, which dictate the colors and patterns you need to fulfill. Second, you'll interact with a spinning wheel of colorful cubes. Instead of just grabbing a single cube, you pick one and move either clockwise or counter-clockwise until you hit the second cube of any color, collecting everything in between. It's a movement that requires careful planning to avoid ending up with a massive surplus of useless colors!

To complete a fabric, you'll need a specific combination of five cubes (typically three of one color and two of another). Once your pattern is set, you can 'mount' the damask, turning it into a finished luxury item ready for sale. The real secret to victory lies in continuity: if your new fabric matches the color or pattern of the previous one, you score extra coins. Additionally, keep a close eye on the game's 'seasons,' which introduce special colors and patterns that can earn you Guild Favors. These favors are absolute game-changers, allowing you to substitute cubes, swap cards, or even dodge taxes on excess stock. It's a fast-paced game of resource management and pattern building, perfect for players who love elegant puzzles and enchanting historical themes.
Other Games You'll Like
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Crowdfunding: Gamefound Theme: Sewing / Knitting / Cloth-Making Theme: Silk Road
Publisher Radical 8 Games
Designer Barbara Burfoot
Artist Rusembell
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the game take?
Usually between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of seasons played.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! It's a weight 2/5 game, meaning the rules are intuitive and easy to teach.
How many players can play?
It works great for 1 to 4 players.
Is there a lot of luck involved?
There's an element of luck in the cube and card distribution, but your strategy in collecting them is what wins the game.
Do I need to know English to play?
No, the text is minimal and relies heavily on icons and colors, making it very easy to play even with limited reading.