# Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle – Defence Against the Dark Arts

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2019
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #1800
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: 1.77 / 5
- **Designers**: Andrew Wolf, Kami Mandell
- **Artists**: Joe Van Wetering
- **Publishers**: The Op Games, Gameology (Gameology Romania), iHRYsko, KOSMOS, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Reflexshop, Rexhry, Tabletop KZ
- **Categories**: Card Game, Fantasy, Movies / TV / Radio theme
- **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Open Drafting, Take That

## Verdict
If you enjoy fast‑paced card duels with a Hogwarts vibe, you’ll love the stun‑focused strategy.Quick, tense gameplayDeckbuilding depthImmersive themeTwo‑player onlyDeck‑building learning curveRECOMMENDED

## Description
Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Battle – Defence Against the Dark Arts is a two‑player competitive deck‑building duel inspired by the original Hogwarts Battle. Each game starts with modest decks; as turns progress you play cards, take actions and acquire new cards to make your deck stronger. The win condition is straightforward: stun your opponent three times before they manage the same to you. 

The story unfolds at Hogwarts where Dark Arts incidents are on the rise, prompting Headmaster Dumbledore to open practical Defence lessons. Under the watchful eyes of the teachers, the two students (you and your opponent) cast spells, use magical items and recruit allies to keep the other from landing a stun. Cards are split into spells, hexes, items and allies, each offering different ways to deliver a stun. 

Deck, Bag and Pool Building lets you expand your resource pool smoothly, while Open Drafting means both players see the same pool of cards and choose alternately, creating interesting strategic decisions. The Take‑That mechanic appears when you play cards that remove resources or directly stun the opponent, keeping the tension high. 

A 30‑60 minute playtime lets you squeeze several rounds into one evening, yet the game still offers tactical depth for deck‑optimizers. With a BGG weight of 1.77 the rules are light, perfect for newcomers to deck‑building who want a taste of Hogwarts magic. Though a stand‑alone, it retains the familiar atmosphere, pleasing both Harry Potter fans and competitive card‑game enthusiasts.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
Exactly two players; the game is designed for head‑to‑head duels.

### What is the playing time?
Typically 30–60 minutes per game, depending on player familiarity.

### How complex are the rules?
A BGG weight of 1.77 signals light rules – easy to pick up, with strategic depth for later.

### What components are included?
Spell, hex, item and ally cards, stun tokens, life markers, and a concise rulebook.

### Do I need to know English to play?
No, the box contains a full Portuguese translation, though some keywords remain in English.

### Can I mix this with the original Hogwarts Battle?
No, this is a stand‑alone product; its cards are not compatible with the original game.

### Is it suitable for someone new to deck‑building?
Absolutely; the learning curve is gentle, making it a great entry point into deck‑building.

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