7.4
rating
Ludopedia
7.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Those who love fast, strategic games will fall in love with Duel for Cardia, where every card can turn the tide.
Highlights
- Simultaneous action and trick‑taking combo
- Cards with unique abilities
- Short game time
- Engaging fantasy theme
Keep in mind
- Requires timing awareness
- Not ideal for absolute beginners
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Duel for Cardia is a card duel that will put your wit to the test in just 15 minutes of pure adrenaline. You and your opponent pilot identical decks composed of cards from 1 to 16, each with unique abilities that can turn the game in the blink of an eye. The goal? Conquer the four factions that inhabit the city of Cardia – created by a powerful djinn in gratitude for its liberation – and collect the five signet rings that give them dominion over the city. The hand‑management mechanic requires you to plan each play, while simultaneous action selection keeps the element of surprise: both choose their cards at the same time, and whoever hits the right timing wins the trick. Trick‑taking adds a layer of competition for rounds, where the order and value of the cards played determine who takes the victory. If you enjoy quick decisions, deep strategy, and a touch of fantasy, this game is for you. Plus, the digital version on Board Game Arena lets you play online, further expanding your duel universe. Get ready to test your forecasting skill, adaptability, and, of course, your patience – because in the end, whoever knows how to use the cards at the right moment will rule Cardia.
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
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Hans im Glück, 999 Games, asmodee, Brain Games, Devir, Feelindigo, Games4you, Giochi Uniti, Kaissa Chess & Games, Lucky Duck Games, Mandoo Games, MINDOK, Piatnik Distribution, Ponva d.o.o.
Designer
Faouzi Boughida, Mathieu Rivero
Artist
Dominik Mayer, Florian Herold, Ingram Schell, Jonas Schmutzler, Qistina Khalidah
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players are required?
Duel for Cardia is designed specifically for two players.
What is the average game time?
Each game lasts about 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions.
Is the game suitable for beginners?
While easy to learn, its strategic depth can challenge more experienced players.
What are the main components?
A 32-card deck (values 1-16) with unique abilities, signal tokens, and basic rules.
Are there any expansions or digital versions?
The game is available on Board Game Arena and may have future expansions.
What is the complexity level?
Medium – it blends hand management, simultaneous action selection, and trick-taking, requiring tactical thinking.
Does the game require any language translation?
The original game is in English, but translated versions exist in Portuguese and other languages.
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