Hagakure

Studio H, Board Game Box, Bureau de Juegos · Board game · 2020
3–5 · best 5 25 min Weight 1.1/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
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7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Enjoy a quick card game with a samurai theme and a dash of strategy? Hagakure might be your next favorite!

Highlights
  • Engaging trick-taking mechanic
  • Unique power tokens
  • Fast and strategic
  • Interesting Japanese theme
Keep in mind
  • Samurai play rules tricky
  • Losing points with no tricks
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Prepare to dive into the world of samurai with Hagakure, a card game that transports you to feudal Japan! Inspired by the famous "Book of the Samurai," this trick-taking game for 3 to 5 players is fast-paced and full of tactical decisions. The goal is simple: accumulate more points than your opponents. Each round, you receive a few cards and a secret reserve called "Goze." The twist here is that you also have "Nobori" tokens, each with a special power that can turn the game around – think about peeking at an opponent's hand, swapping your hand with the Goze, or even doubling your points! The deck includes villagers, samurai (who have a special play rule), and the enigmatic "old fools," which can be either worthless or the key to winning a trick. You earn points for each trick taken and for capturing a specific number (the 16), but beware: whoever takes no tricks loses points! With games lasting around 25 minutes, Hagakure is perfect for those seeking an engaging card game experience with an interesting thematic touch and a dose of accessible strategy. It's a great choice to kick off an evening or for those who enjoy trick-taking mechanics but want something a little different from the norm.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
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Game details

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Country: Japan
Publisher Studio H, Board Game Box, Bureau de Juegos, Buró, Gen-X Games (GenX)
Designer Frank Crittin, Grégoire Largey
Artist Claire Conan
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Hagakure support and how long does a game take?
Hagakure is for 3 to 5 players, and each game lasts around 25 minutes, making it quite fast!
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to be the player with the most points at the end of several rounds, primarily accumulated by winning tricks.
What are the 'Nobori' tokens?
These are special tokens that each player receives at the start and have unique powers, such as looking at another player's hand or doubling your points, adding an extra layer of strategy.
Are there any penalties in the game?
Yes, if a player fails to win any trick during a round, they lose points, so it's important to try and win at least one.
Are the 'old fool' cards important?
They can be! Alone they are worth nothing, but if more than one is played in the same trick, the player who played the last one wins the trick. It's an interesting and unpredictable element.
Do I need to know how to play other trick-taking games to enjoy Hagakure?
Not necessarily! Hagakure has its own peculiarities, like the tokens and the samurai rules, but the basic trick-taking mechanic is easy to grasp. It's a good entry point to the genre.