6.0
rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you enjoy card games with a medieval theme and a good amount of interaction, Ivanhoe might be for you! It's a fast-paced game that surprises with its hidden strategy.
Highlights
- Fun direct interaction
- Surprising strategy depth
- Fast and dynamic gameplay
- Engaging medieval theme
Keep in mind
- Language dependent
- Luck of the draw
- Can be a bit chaotic
RECOMMENDED
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Get ready to don your armor and enter the arena in Ivanhoe, a card game that puts you in the shoes of a knight seeking glory in the royal court's tournaments! Your goal is to become the champion by winning a set number of different tournaments, depending on the player count. To achieve this, you'll need to use your wits and your cards wisely.
The game revolves around jousting competitions and weapon battles. You can use cards to win jousts, but beware: an 'unhorse' card can change the game entirely, forcing everyone to switch to a weapon battle. And it doesn't stop there! Other action cards can lead to hand-to-hand combat, where the number of cards in hand is what matters, not brute strength. Managing your hand of cards is crucial, as they are your tools to influence the flow of tournaments, rally your squires, and even hinder your opponents with 'take that' tactics.
Ivanhoe blends the excitement of auctions and bidding with the strategy of set collection and direct player interaction. Despite appearing simple at first glance, the game hides surprising tactical depth. Each round, you'll need to decide whether to bid high in a tournament, save cards for a more opportune moment, or use an action card to turn the tide in your favor. It's a fast-paced game with matches that don't drag on, ideal for those who enjoy a good dose of medieval strategy with a touch of unpredictability. Prepare for epic duels and unexpected twists!
The game revolves around jousting competitions and weapon battles. You can use cards to win jousts, but beware: an 'unhorse' card can change the game entirely, forcing everyone to switch to a weapon battle. And it doesn't stop there! Other action cards can lead to hand-to-hand combat, where the number of cards in hand is what matters, not brute strength. Managing your hand of cards is crucial, as they are your tools to influence the flow of tournaments, rally your squires, and even hinder your opponents with 'take that' tactics.
Ivanhoe blends the excitement of auctions and bidding with the strategy of set collection and direct player interaction. Despite appearing simple at first glance, the game hides surprising tactical depth. Each round, you'll need to decide whether to bid high in a tournament, save cards for a more opportune moment, or use an action card to turn the tide in your favor. It's a fast-paced game with matches that don't drag on, ideal for those who enjoy a good dose of medieval strategy with a touch of unpredictability. Prepare for epic duels and unexpected twists!
GALLERY
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In English
2
OK
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games, asmodee, Maldón
Designer
Andy Lewis, Reiner Knizia
Artist
François Bruel, Juan Carlos Arenas, Kurt Miller, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
What is the average playtime for Ivanhoe?
A game of Ivanhoe typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and how familiar they are with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, offering different experiences depending on how many knights are competing.
Is Ivanhoe a complex game?
The complexity is considered low (1.61 out of 5 on BGG), making it accessible for new players, but with enough strategic depth to keep experienced gamers engaged.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, Ivanhoe has moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have the cards translated or use a reference sheet to fully enjoy the game.
Who would you recommend Ivanhoe to?
We recommend Ivanhoe for those who enjoy card games with a medieval theme, direct player interaction, and a mix of luck and strategy. It's great for families and groups looking for something lighter, but with interesting decisions.
What are the main components of the game?
The game primarily consists of cards, representing actions, weapons, and influences. There are also tokens to track won tournaments.