How to Play Horizonte

Travel-Games.co.uk, Barai · Board game · 2025

3–5 20–30 min Weight 3.0/5

7.9 rating Ludopedia

8.5 rating BGG

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Step by step

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.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Prefer the Official PDF? Download the official Horizonte rulebook or browse it online with our AI rules assistant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about the rules

5 questions

What is the objective of Horizonte?

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.

How do you set up Horizonte?

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.

How do you play Horizonte?

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…

How does Horizonte end, and how do you score?

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.

What are some tips for winning Horizonte?

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.

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