Hanafuda

(Public Domain), (Self-Published), AST Publishers · Board game · 1701
2–7 · best 2 60 min Weight 1.7/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy card games with stunning visuals and a dash of history, Hanafuda is for you! It's a Japanese classic that blends luck and strategy in a really cool way.

Highlights
  • Beautiful art and theme
  • Simple rules, deep strategy
  • Quick and engaging
  • Great for set collection
Keep in mind
  • Luck plays a big role
  • Can feel repetitive
  • Rule variations exist
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a trip back to 18th-century Japan with Hanafuda, a card game steeped in tradition and art! Legend has it that this unique deck, with its 48 beautifully illustrated cards representing months and flowers, originated from an adaptation of Portuguese playing cards. The goal here is to form strategic combinations using the cards that come into your hands and onto the table, in a contest that can involve 2 to 7 players. Hanafuda's beauty lies in its elegant simplicity and the depth that emerges from its rules. Each card is a work of art, and the deck itself is an invitation to explore Japanese culture. Although the game might seem simple at first glance, it hides layers of strategy and a touch of luck that make it captivating. It's one of those games you can learn quickly but will challenge you to master over time. Perfect for those who enjoy card games with stunning visuals and a hint of history. If you like collecting sets and making risky decisions to maximize your points, Hanafuda will win you over. It's an experience that transcends time, proving that good game design is timeless. Embark on this adventure and discover why Hanafuda is a classic that has stood the test of centuries!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

9 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–7 players
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK
7 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Card Games: Fishing Characters: Moomins Country: Japan Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Promotional: Board Games States: Hawaii Theme: Flowers Traditional Games: Hanafuda Video Game Theme: Dragon Quest Video Game Theme: Nintendo Video Game Theme: Super Mario Bros.
Publisher (Public Domain), (Self-Published), AST Publishers, Black Mamba Games, Counter Clockwise, Daiso (ダイソー), Editions Philippe Picquier, Ensky, Europdesign, The Game Crafter, LLC, Grubbe Media GmbH, Hanafuda Hawaii, LLC, Hanami, Huff No More, IELLO, IndianWolf Studios LLC, Japan Publications, Inc., Japon Brand, Miracle Fish, Motobayasi, Nakayoshi-Mura, Nintendo Co., Ltd., Panda Game Manufacturing (PandaGM), Pencil First Games, LLC, Robin Red Games, Showa Note Organization (ショウワノート株式会社), Shuffled Ink, Square Enix Co., Ltd., Styks, Trefl
Designer (Uncredited)
Artist Antonietta Fazio-Johnson, Joss Petchey, Kelly McKernan, Kelsey Lynn Cretcher, Machida Machiko, Marci Ichimura, Pascal Boucher, Paul Guo, Ryan Sartor, Sarah Thomas, Vincent Dutrait

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players does Hanafuda support?
Hanafuda can be played by 2 to 7 players, making it quite versatile for different groups.
How long does a game of Hanafuda take?
A game of Hanafuda typically takes around 60 minutes to complete, making it a great game for an afternoon or evening.
Is Hanafuda a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules of Hanafuda are relatively simple to learn, but mastering the strategies can take time. It's a game with a smooth learning curve.
What are the main components of Hanafuda?
The main component is the Hanafuda deck, featuring 48 beautifully illustrated cards. There are no other complex components.
Who would you recommend Hanafuda to?
We recommend Hanafuda to players who appreciate card games with strong visual appeal, cultural themes, and a mix of luck and strategy. It's great for those who enjoy set collection.
Are there different versions or rules for Hanafuda?
Yes, Hanafuda is a traditional game with various popular rules and variants, such as Koi-Koi. The basic version is easy to learn, but exploring other rules can add more depth.
Is the theme of Hanafuda important to the gameplay?
The theme of flowers and months of the year is central to the card art and set formation, adding cultural charm to the gaming experience.

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