# Gunjo Gradation

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 6.7
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-6
- **Duration**: 10-20 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Kamoto, Mr.Kou
- **Artists**: ebika!
- **Publishers**: RMBC
- **Categories**: Card Game, Number
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Ladder Climbing, Score-and-Reset Game

## Verdict
An underwater card game that mixes ladder climbing, hand management, and dynamic scoring, perfect for fans of light competition and quick decisions.Fun ladder mechanicStrategic hand managementFast gameplayAttractive card designSimple rules, deep tacticsScore can get highUnplayed cards penalizeConstant attention neededRECOMMENDED

## Description
Gunjo Gradation lands unexpectedly on the card game scene, bringing an aquatic theme that evokes feeding currents where tiny fish try to climb the ranks. The board is practically nonexistent; everything happens on the cards each player receives at the start. The deck contains cards numbered 1 to 10, with four copies of each number, totaling 40 cards. Each game begins with players dealt five cards, and the goal is to form “ladder climbs” – sequences of cards of the same value – to climb the points ladder. When a player places a card, they can add it to an existing stack of the same number, creating a stronger group; the more cards in a stack, the more points they earn. Cards left in hand at the end of a round are penalized, but if the player can stack same‑value cards, they can reduce the penalty. This “hand‑management” dynamic forces the player to decide between playing early for points or holding cards to avoid penalties. The game ends when all cards are played; the player with the lowest total points wins, earning a bonus for having “escaped clean.” The “score‑and‑reset” mechanic ensures each round is a fresh chance to reassess strategy, keeping the pace quick (10‑20 minutes) and tension high. If you enjoy card games that blend simple rules with tactical decisions, Gunjo Gradation could be the right pick for your game nights. The cards feature illustrations of different fish species, with colors that help quickly identify values. The minimalist design makes reading easy in any lighting, ideal for outdoor sessions or cafés. The game comes in a compact box, great for travel or playing on small tables. Beyond the competitive aspect, Gunjo Gradation offers an implicit cooperation element: players must watch opponents’ moves to anticipate which numbers remain in the deck, avoiding useless cards. This social interaction makes the game fun even in larger groups, as tension rises when someone tries to block another. In terms of complexity, the game sits between a card classic like Uno and a deeper strategy game like 7 Wonders. The learning curve is short, but tactical depth remains, as small variations in card choices can dramatically change the final outcome.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
Gunjo Gradation works best with 3 to 6 players, ensuring balanced competition and a dynamic pace.

### How long does a game last?
Each game takes between 10 and 20 minutes, perfect for quick sessions or multiple rounds.

### Is the game easy to learn?
Yes, the rules are simple and straightforward, but strategic depth grows with practice.

### What components are included?
The box contains 40 numbered cards from 1 to 10, a rulebook, and a compact design for easy transport.

### Who is the game for?
Ideal for fans of competitive card games with quick decisions and a touch of ladder strategy.

### Is there a main strategy?
Keeping same‑value cards in hand to reduce penalties and trying to climb before opponents is a key approach.

### Does the game have expansions?
Currently there are no official expansions, but the community can create creative variations and combos.