Karakum

Brain Games · Board game · 2023
2–4 · best 4 15 min Weight 1.4/5
5.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 10.03
5.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy fast card games with color‑and‑number tactics, Karakum will win you over.

Highlights
  • Dynamic open drafting
  • Simple hand management
  • Captivating desert theme
Keep in mind
  • Matching rule can stall games
  • Limited strategic depth
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Karakum is a quick, light card game that puts you in charge of a desert caravan. Each round runs about fifteen minutes, making it perfect for a short yet decision‑heavy session. The goal is to gather resources and, most importantly, build a camel caravan. Cards are revealed in an open draft, so everyone sees the available options and picks what fits their plan best. Hand management comes into play as you decide which resources to hold and which camels to play. The twist lies in the matching rule: you can only add a camel to your caravan if it matches the color or number of the last camel you placed. This creates a color‑and‑value puzzle, forcing you to plan your moves and occasionally block your opponent. The components are straightforward – a resource deck, camel cards, and scoring markers – but the mix of open drafting, hand management, and matching generates plenty of tension and replay value. It’s easy to learn yet leaves room for deeper tactics, like forcing an opponent into a dead‑end. The artwork captures the desert vibe with bright illustrations of camels and arid landscapes. Overall, Karakum offers an agile, strategic, and visually appealing experience, ideal for small groups who enjoy card games with a thematic twist.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Animals: Camels Category: DIZED Tutorial Theme: Deserts
Publisher Brain Games
Designer Arif Nezih Savi
Artist Laimės Kūdikis

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

401owners
75wishlist
6want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.
What is the playing time?
Approximately 15 minutes per game.
How complex is the game?
Light, with a BGG weight of 1.37/5.
What components are included?
Resource deck, camel cards, scoring markers, and rulebook.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of quick card games, desert themes, and open drafting mechanics.

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