# Deadly Dowagers ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2023 - **BGG Rating**: 6.8 - **BGG Rank**: #5545 - **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4) - **Duration**: 30-90 min - **Weight**: 1.89 / 5 - **Designers**: Sarah Shipp - **Artists**: Mercedes Palacios - **Publishers**: Sparkworks, Tabletop Tycoon Inc., Corax Games, Starling Games (II), Tycoon Games - **Categories**: Card Game, Humor, Murder / Mystery - **Mechanics**: Closed Drafting, Hand Management, Race ## Verdict If you enjoy card games with a quirky theme and sneaky strategy, Deadly Dowagers is a sure bet. The game blends dark humor with solid hand management and tableau-building mechanics, creating a unique experience where betrayal and planning are key. The satirical Victorian atmosphere is delightful, and the game has a snappy pace that keeps everyone engaged. Just don't expect deep strategy—here, chaos and fun reign supreme.Hilarious dark humorSimple but addictive mechanicsUnique and well-executed themeCan get too chaotic with 6 playersSome luck dependency with card drawsRECOMMENDED ## Description Deadly Dowagers is a hilarious and strategic card game where you take on the role of a Victorian woman determined to climb the social ladder—even if it means a few strategic murders. The goal? Become a duchess! With a modest dowry inherited from your parents, you need to grow your fortune through shrewd investments and, of course, convenient (and sometimes lethal) marriages. Each round is divided into four phases: card drafting (where you pick and pass cards like in a card game), investments (to grow your money), husband (yes, you can 'acquire' one), and housekeeping (where you deal with the consequences of your actions). Watch out for infamy: accumulate too much, and the duke will ignore you. The game ends when a player manages to marry the duke, spending 120 crowns and keeping infamy below 9. Get ready for betrayals, sneaky strategies, and lots of laughs! ## FAQ ### How many players can play? 2 to 6 players. With more people, the game gets more chaotic and fun! ### How long does a game take? Between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and strategies used. ### Is it hard to learn? Not at all! The rules are simple, but the strategies can be sneaky. Perfect for beginners and veterans alike. ### Does it require a lot of translation? Yes, the game has text on the cards, so a translated version or reference sheet is helpful. ### Who is this game for? For those who enjoy light games with dark humor and a touch of strategy. If you like backstabbing your friends, you'll love it! ### What's the recommended age? Recommended for ages 14+ due to murder themes and dark humor. ### Does it need a lot of table space? No, just a small table for cards and some space for each player's tableau. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 27.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5342761&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 34.85 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6836425&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 34.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5332862&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 34.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5262743&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 35.00 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5291706&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 35.00 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5334951&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 39.71 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6076048&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 40.38 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5239662&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 41.47 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4774889&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/44614/deadly-dowagers?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com