# Horizonte ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2025 - **BGG Rating**: 8.5 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 3-5 - **Duration**: 20-30 min - **Weight**: 3.00 / 5 - **Designers**: Arthur Lacerda - **Artists**: Arthur Lacerda - **Publishers**: Travel-Games.co.uk, Barai - **Categories**: Animals, Fantasy - **Mechanics**: Simultaneous Action Selection, Trick-taking ## Verdict Perfect for card game lovers looking for a fast and unique mental challenge. The duality system is fantastic!Innovative duality mechanicFast and dynamic gameplayConstant psychological tensionEasy to learn, hard to masterRequires constant mental mathMissing the prediction can be frustratingRECOMMENDED ## Description Have you ever thought about playing two trick-taking games at the same time? That's exactly the brilliant madness of Horizonte! Here, the table is split between the sky and the earth, creating two opposite dynamics happening simultaneously. On one side, we have the Dragon Trick (the sky), where the classic rule applies: the highest number wins. On the other, we have the Hound Trick (the earth), where the logic completely flips, and the lowest number takes the win. But don't be fooled into thinking it's just about playing cards randomly. The real challenge — and where your brain starts to sizzle — is predicting the 'horizon'. You don't just want to win tricks; you must predict the exact difference between the number of Dragon victories and Hound victories. It's an exercise in balance and quick calculation: if you win too much in the sky and too little on earth, your prediction might collapse. With fast-paced games lasting 20 to 30 minutes, Horizonte is perfect for those who enjoy card games with a hint of psychological tension. You need to read the table, anticipate your opponents' moves, and manage your hand so the final result matches your initial bet. It's a game of risk and precision, where the strategy isn't just about winning, but winning the right amount. If you love trick-taking games but feel the genre needed a fresh 'twist', this duality system will keep you hooked. ## How to Play Objective of the Game In Horizonte, players compete to predict the difference between the number of Dragon Tricks (won with high cards) and Dog Tricks (won with low cards) they’ll win. The game revolves around balancing two opposing forces: the Dragon (representing pride and order) and the Dog (representing affection and chaos). The player who predicts the difference most accurately wins. Preparation (Setup) Place the Positioning Cards (Dog and Dragon) in the center, spaced apart, with arrows pointing toward each player. Give each player one Forecast Card and one cube. Remove specific cards for 3- or 4-player games (consult the manual for details). Determine initiative: Each player reveals a random card. The highest card takes the Dragon Initiative Card, the lowest takes the Dog Initiative Card. Resolve ties with additional draws. Game Flow Phase 1: Distribution and Prediction Shuffle the numbered cards and deal them equally. Each player secretly predicts the difference between their Dragon Tricks and Dog Tricks by placing their cube on their Forecast Card. Reveal predictions simultaneously. Phase 2: The Tricks Two tricks occur simultaneously: Dragon Trick: Started by the player with the Dragon Initiative Card. Players must follow the lead suit if possible. Interrupted when the Dog Initiative Card holder’s turn begins. Dog Trick: Started by the Dog Initiative Card holder. Players follow the lead suit. After completion, the Dragon Trick resumes. Actions and How to Play Playing Cards: Lead player may play any card. Others must follow the lead suit if possible. Dragon Trick: Highest Cloud (☁️) card wins; if none, highest card of the lead suit wins. Dog Trick: Lowest card (any suit) wins. Ties go to the last played card. Star Cards (3, 7, 13, 17): Winning with these counts as two tricks (draw an extra card). End of Game and Scoring Scoring: Discard pairs of cards (one above and one below your Forecast Card). Score 1 point per pair. Compare remaining cards to your prediction. Score 5 points per unit of difference (3 in the Fog Variant). After scoring, reshuffle cards and keep Initiative Cards. The game ends after three rounds. The player with the fewest points wins. Tiebreaker: Draw a straight line on paper; the most accurate line wins. Tips to Win Focus on one trick type: The Dragon and Dog rarely align—winning both is risky. Use star cards strategically: They double your trick count, but may disrupt your prediction. Track remaining suits: Anticipate which tricks you can control based on cards played. ## FAQ ### Is the game complex? The basic rules are simple, but the strategy of predicting the difference between tricks requires focus. The 3/5 weight reflects this tactical depth. ### How long does a game last? It's quite fast! Between 20 and 30 minutes, great as an opener or for multiple rounds. ### How many people can play? The game supports 3 to 5 players, making it ideal for small to medium groups. ### Do I need to know other trick-taking games? It helps a lot, but it's not mandatory. The game explains the 'who wins the round' logic intuitively. ### Does the fantasy theme influence the rules? The theme mainly serves to differentiate the two tricks (Sky/Dragon vs Earth/Hound), making it easier to remember which number wins on each side.