# Four Dragons ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2000 - **BGG Rating**: 6.6 - **BGG Rank**: #7222 - **Players**: 3-4 (Best with: 4) - **Duration**: 20-30 min - **Weight**: 2.36 / 5 - **Designers**: Frank Branham, Sandi West - **Artists**: Jacob Walker, José Guadalupe Posada, Sandi West - **Publishers**: Jolly Roger Games, Sacred Chao Games - **Categories**: Card Game, Deduction - **Mechanics**: Team-Based Game, Trick-taking ## Verdict Four Dragons is a treat for those who love trick-taking games with a dash of malice and partnership strategy. It shines by turning a classic mechanic into an exercise in deduction and table reading, where every move from your partner communicates intent. It is fast, challenging, and perfect for those who enjoy games that demand constant attention to the table.Smart partnership mechanicsHighly strategic and deductiveFast and intense matchesSurprising depth for its sizeSteep initial learning curveRequires partners of equal skillNot for those seeking luckFOR GENRE FANS ## Description Four Dragons is that kind of game that looks simple at first glance but will definitely give your brain a workout. Originally released with the Day of the Dead theme, it puts you and a partner in a strategic trick-taking contest where every card tells a story. The big twist here isn't just winning the trick, but managing the special actions attached to the cards. Unlike traditional trick-taking games, you trade cards with opponents or partners based on who wins the trick, adding a layer of deduction and planning that feels quite similar to the depth of Bridge. The game is played over three phases representing the journey to the afterlife, starting with animals, moving to children, and ending with adults. If you enjoy games where non-verbal communication with your partner is key, Four Dragons will win you over. At first, it is normal to feel a bit lost while checking the rule summary to understand card effects, but after a few hands, the flow becomes intuitive and the strategy starts to shine. It is an ideal title for those looking for a quick, 20-30 minute experience that demands full focus. The Four Dragons version features an oriental aesthetic, but the mechanical essence remains a solid challenge for those who enjoy card games with a touch of malice and planning. If you are the type who likes to read the table and predict what your partner is going to play, get ready for an intense match. ## FAQ ### How many players does it support? The game is designed for 3 to 4 players and works best in partnership mode. ### How long does a game take? On average, matches last between 20 and 30 minutes, moving quite fast once everyone learns the rules. ### Is it hard to learn? It has a weight of 2.35/5. It is not overly complex, but the special card actions require a few practice rounds to master. ### Do I need to know Bridge to enjoy it? No, but if you like Bridge, you will feel right at home. If you dislike trick-taking games, this might not be for you. ### What is the difference between Four Dragons and Dia de los Muertos? They are the same game, just with different visual themes (Oriental vs. Mexican). The rules are identical. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 8.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=150302&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/10366/dia-de-los-muertos?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com