Mai-Star

Alderac Entertainment Group, Kanai Factory, Arclight Games · Board game · 2010
3–6 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.9/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for fans of light games with immersive themes and quick decisions. It’s like strategic flirting where every card matters!

Highlights
  • Well-executed geisha theme
  • Fast and easy to learn
  • Strategic decisions in minutes
Keep in mind
  • Can feel too random for some
  • Relies on translation aids
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

In *Mai-Star*, you step into the elegant world of Japanese geishas, competing to become the most famous and wealthy in the district. Each player controls a geisha, using character cards to boost popularity and attract wealthy guests. But beware: focusing only on fame won’t pay the bills, and ignoring your reputation will drive away the most generous clients. The key is balancing which cards to use to shine and which guests to charm. When a player runs out of cards, the round ends, and each remaining card in hand becomes a negative point. After three festival nights (rounds), the player with the most money wins the title of *Mai-Star*! The game is fast-paced, with strategic decisions every turn and a dash of bluffing to spice up the competition. Perfect for those who enjoy light games with a touch of strategy and immersive theme.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Japan Series: 5 Minute Fun (AEG) Series: Big in Japan (AEG) Series: Pocket Game (AEG) Theme: Geisha
Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group, Kanai Factory, Arclight Games, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., Switch Games
Designer Seiji Kanai
Artist Adam Schumpert, Anthony Francisco, April Lee, Aurélien Hubert, Chris Seaman, Conceptopolis, Doug Shuler, Florian Stitz, Gemma Tegelaers, Greg Lambrakis, Jake Murray, Jason Engle, Jorge Matar, Noboru Sugiura

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,828owners
149wishlist
27want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
3 to 6, but it’s more fun with 4 or more.
How long does a game take?
About 30 minutes, perfect for a quick session.
Does it need translation?
Yes, it’s in English, but a reference sheet works.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes, rules are simple but with enough strategy for veterans.
Minimum age?
Recommended 12+, due to light reading and strategy.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games