If Mona Lisa

Singa Games (II) · Board game · 2024
2–6 15–20 min
7.4 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.4 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for families and kids who love art; it's simple, fast, and visually stunning.

Highlights
  • Vibrant and educational art
  • Very easy to learn rules
  • Quick and dynamic gameplay
  • Great gateway for kids
Keep in mind
  • Very superficial strategy
  • Heavy reliance on deck luck
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever wondered what the Mona Lisa would look like if it were painted specifically for kids? In 'If Mona Lisa', you step into the shoes of an art curator tasked with assembling the most valuable exhibition in town. The game is a delightful blend of light strategy and education, turning art history into a colorful and dynamic competition. You'll need to build art collections, but not just any combination will do: to display your works, you must gather three paintings from the same category (such as Landscapes or Portraits) or, if you're feeling bold, three masterpieces from different categories.

The gameplay revolves around managing your gallery and the 'Art Market'. On your turn, you draw or trade cards to try and complete your secret exhibition objective. Strategy comes into play when deciding what to keep in your hand and what to discard into the market, ensuring your opponents don't snag the piece you desperately need. The artworks vary in value: common paintings are worth 5 points, while masterpieces can earn you 10 or even 15 points, making the fight for them quite intense.

The game flows quickly, with matches lasting about 20 minutes, making it ideal for introducing children to the world of board games or for families looking for something light. The first curator to complete their exhibition card earns a generous 15-point bonus and triggers the end of the game. In the end, the curator with the most points from exhibited artworks wins. It's the perfect opportunity to learn about artistic styles while planning the best possible curation. With 72 vibrant cards, the game turns a museum visit into a fun competition where beauty and strategy go hand in hand.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Theme: Art
Publisher Singa Games (II)
Designer Naia Hamasaki
Artist Naia Hamasaki

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What age group is this game for?
It's a children's/educational game, ideal for kids and families, with simple rules that let little ones play quickly.
How long does a game take?
Games are very fast, usually lasting between 15 and 20 minutes.
Do I need prior art knowledge to play?
Nope! The game is educational, so you'll learn about art categories as you play.
What language are the cards in?
The cards are in English, but since they have very little text and focus on images, they are easy to memorize.
How many people can play?
The game supports 2 to 6 players, making it great for larger groups.
Is it a complex game?
Not at all, it's very light. The focus is on set collection and simple market trades.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games