Kōhaku

Get ready to dive into an oasis of tranquility with Kōhaku! This tile-laying game invites you to build your own koi pond, a zen corner where beauty and strategy meet. Each turn, you'll carefully select a koi and a feature tile (like flowers, frogs, or butterflies) from a central board, the 'pond'. Then, it's time to fit these pieces into your personal pond, which has a freeform shape, allowing you to create a unique design. The goal is to score points in creative ways: surrounding flowers with same-colored koi, placing frogs next to dragonflies, ensuring baby koi have a safe haven near rocks, and lining up butterflies to admire colorful koi. Turtles and statues also come into play, bringing balance and extra points, though sometimes they aren't as valuable as other features. The trick is to plan well, because once a tile is in your pond, it stays there! The game ends when there are no more koi tiles left to replenish the central board. Then, just tally up the points and see who has created the most spectacular pond. Kōhaku is a relaxing experience, but one that demands attention to detail, perfect for those who enjoy abstract games with a touch of nature and Japanese aesthetics.