House of Fado

Eagle-Gryphon Games, CrowD Games, Delta Vision Publishing · Board game · 2025
1–4 · best 4 Solo 30–60 min Weight 2.8/5
8.7 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
8.7 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love heavy economic games but don't have 4 hours to spare. Immersive theme and a fantastic bump mechanic.

Highlights
  • Very dynamic bump mechanic
  • Culturally rich and original theme
  • Lacerda depth in shorter playtime
  • Well-executed artist management
Keep in mind
  • Steep initial learning curve
  • Requires rigorous planning
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Ever dreamed of running an authentic Casa de Fado in Portugal? In House of Fado, you step into the shoes of a manager tasked with balancing traditional gastronomy with the soul of Portuguese music. Your goal is to turn your restaurant into the most prestigious spot in town, attracting customers seeking that unique atmosphere of 'saudade' and the characteristic melancholy of the genre. But it's not just about serving food; the heart of the business lies in the artists. You'll need to hire and promote the traditional trio: the powerful voice of the fadista, the unique sound of the Portuguese Guitar, and the support of the Fado Viola.

On the board, the strategy revolves around staff management. You'll move your employees to perform various actions, but be careful: the game uses a 'bump' mechanic (similar to The Gallerist), where you can push other workers out of the way to claim a spot, making the competition for actions much more dynamic and aggressive. It's a pure economic game, featuring commodity speculation and market management, where every decision impacts your prestige.

Developed by Vital Lacerda and João Quintela Martins, House of Fado maintains the depth characteristic of the 'Lacerda style' but with a more direct and agile approach. While other titles by the author can take several hours, a game here revolves around 60 minutes, without sacrificing the intellectual challenge. If you enjoy games where every move must be calculated and player interaction is constant, this title is a perfect fit. Get ready to manage talents, deal with the competition, and create the perfect night for your guests, all while diving deep into Lusitanian culture.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Country: Portugal Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Music: Music Groups Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Restaurant/Café
Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games, CrowD Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Maldito Games, Tesla Games, TLAMA games, WindFans Games
Designer João Quintela Martins, Vital Lacerda
Artist Marina Costa
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex?
It follows Vital Lacerda's style, so it has depth and many interconnected gears, but it's more direct and faster than his larger titles.
How long does a game take?
Usually between 30 to 60 minutes, which is quite agile for a game of this strategic level.
Does it work well solo?
Yes! The game has dedicated solo rules, allowing you to manage your House of Fado on your own.
Do I need to know about music to play?
Not at all! The theme is beautiful and immersive, but the mechanics are purely economic and management-based.
What is the 'bump' action mentioned?
It's when you place your worker in an already occupied space, 'pushing' the other player out to perform the action first.