# Drawing Dead

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 6.2
- **BGG Rank**: #22609
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 20-60 min
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: John Fiorillo
- **Artists**: Anton Magdalin
- **Publishers**: (Self-Published), Gold Baby Games
- **Categories**: American West, Bluffing, Card Game, Deduction
- **Mechanics**: Betting and Bluffing, Hand Management, Open Drafting, Role Playing, Trick-taking, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
Perfect for those who love the tension of poker mixed with supernatural powers and plenty of cheating.Highly engaging Purgatory themeCharacter powers shift the game dynamicsBlends bluffing and strategy seamlesslyConstant and biting player interactionModerate language dependence (cards/sheets)Initial learning curve for non-poker playersRECOMMENDED

## Description
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!

## FAQ
### 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.