—
rating
Ludopedia
6.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love the tension of poker mixed with supernatural powers and plenty of cheating.
Highlights
- Highly engaging Purgatory theme
- Character powers shift the game dynamics
- Blends bluffing and strategy seamlessly
- Constant and biting player interaction
Keep in mind
- Moderate language dependence (cards/sheets)
- Initial learning curve for non-poker players
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine you were a poker player in the Wild West, but things ended tragically, and now you've woken up in Purgatory. The catch? To earn eternal rest (meaning, finally being buried in peace), you must win a card game where the stakes aren't money, but your very soul. In Drawing Dead, you step into the shoes of one of these doomed souls and must use all your cunning to lie, cheat, and manipulate the game in your favor.
The game blends the familiarity of poker with modern hand-building mechanics and special powers. You aren't just playing cards; you are managing your soul. Each character possesses unique abilities that allow you to alter the cards on the table, steal luck from opponents, or improve your own hand in ways that would be impossible in a real casino. The dynamics revolve around assembling classic poker combinations to activate powerful effects, defeat minions, and face the bosses guarding the gates of Purgatory.
The goal is straightforward: unlock three gates and defeat the bosses behind them to escape this limbo. Along the way, you'll have to deal with the 'river' of cards, manipulate luck, and decide whether to play fair or use the available cheats to secure victory. It's a game that appeals to those who only know the basics of poker as well as those who love strategy games with high player interaction. If you enjoy the vibe of 'strategic malice' and want to feel the tension of a saloon duel with a supernatural twist, this is your game. Get ready to lie shamelessly and hope your opponents don't realize you're cheating until it's too late!
The game blends the familiarity of poker with modern hand-building mechanics and special powers. You aren't just playing cards; you are managing your soul. Each character possesses unique abilities that allow you to alter the cards on the table, steal luck from opponents, or improve your own hand in ways that would be impossible in a real casino. The dynamics revolve around assembling classic poker combinations to activate powerful effects, defeat minions, and face the bosses guarding the gates of Purgatory.
The goal is straightforward: unlock three gates and defeat the bosses behind them to escape this limbo. Along the way, you'll have to deal with the 'river' of cards, manipulate luck, and decide whether to play fair or use the available cheats to secure victory. It's a game that appeals to those who only know the basics of poker as well as those who love strategy games with high player interaction. If you enjoy the vibe of 'strategic malice' and want to feel the tension of a saloon duel with a supernatural twist, this is your game. Get ready to lie shamelessly and hope your opponents don't realize you're cheating until it's too late!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
(Self-Published), Gold Baby Games
Designer
John Fiorillo
Artist
Anton Magdalin
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need to know how to play poker to play Drawing Dead?
You don't need to be a pro! Knowing basic combinations (like what a Flush or Full House is) helps, but the game is intuitive enough to learn as you go.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on how much the group likes to cheat and argue over plays.
Is the game complex?
It has a medium weight (2/5). The basic rules are simple, but the strategy of using character powers to manipulate your hand is where the depth lies.
How many people can play?
2 to 4 players. It works well in any configuration, but with 4, the table becomes much more chaotic and fun.
Is it hard to set up?
Not at all, it's primarily a card game. Setup is fast, letting you start cheating in just a few minutes.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme