Jarmo

(Public Domain), 3Joy Games, Fratelli Fabbri Editori (Fabbri Editore) · Board game · 1227
2 · best 2 Weight 2.8/5
6.7 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
6.7 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love tactical duels and minimalist board games with depth. The highlight is the positional tension.

Highlights
  • Constant tactical tension
  • Exotic tactile components
  • Simple rules, high depth
  • Ideal for quick sessions
Keep in mind
  • Asymmetric board may confuse
  • Two-player only
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever wondered what kind of game Batu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, played to get into the 'warrior mood' before a battle? Meet Jarmo! Based on an old Tatarian legend, this game puts you in command of archers in a tactical duel where concentration, observation, and imagination are your primary weapons. Don't be fooled by its clean look; every move matters, and the winning strategy is far more nuanced than simply rushing toward the opponent's side.

The core objective is to get as many of your archers as possible into the opponent's first row. However, the path is anything but straightforward. The board is asymmetric, meaning you and your opponent experience the game from different perspectives, creating fascinating positioning dynamics. To clear the way, you capture enemy pieces by moving your archer into a circle occupied by an opponent's archer, removing them from the board immediately.

Here is a crucial detail: an archer that captures an enemy is marked with a small black or white line. This isn't just for show! This marking is essential when applying the 'loop' rule, which adds a layer of complexity to movement and capture strategies. The game ends when one player successfully moves all their remaining archers to the opponent's first row. At that point, the final score is calculated to determine the winner. In the event of a tie, the game ends in a draw. It's a game of pure reasoning, devoid of luck, perfect for those who enjoy chess or other abstract strategy games where the mind is the only tool required.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Category: Combinatorial Components: Cloth Boards Containers: Drawstring Bag Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: LUDOS Asia (Lemery Games)
Publisher (Public Domain), 3Joy Games, Fratelli Fabbri Editori (Fabbri Editore), Lemery Games, Mitra, NewVenture Games
Designer (Uncredited)
Artist Lívia Varga, Tímea Kőszegi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
The basic rules are quite simple, but the winning strategy and the 'loop' rule require a bit more study and practice.
How many people can play?
Jarmo is exclusively for 2 players, focusing entirely on the duel.
How long does a game last?
Time varies based on player skill, but since it's an abstract game, matches tend to be brisk.
Do I need to know English or another language to play?
Nope! Since it's an abstract strategy game with no text on cards or the board, there is no language dependency.
Who would you recommend this game to?
Anyone who enjoys Chess, Shogi, or any game where victory depends purely on your ability to anticipate the opponent's moves.