Matryoshka

White Goblin Games, FunBox Jogos, Grok Games · Board game · 2016
3–5 · best 4 20 min Weight 1.7/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love fast negotiation and intense social interaction. The highlight is the tension of secret offers!

Highlights
  • Dynamic and secret negotiations
  • Fast and fluid gameplay
  • Easy to learn and teach
  • Just the right amount of social tension
Keep in mind
  • Lacks deep long-term strategy
  • Highly dependent on group interaction
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever imagined the chaos of a group of obsessed collectors trying to reassemble rare Russian dolls? That's exactly what happens in Matryoshka! The game puts you in the shoes of an antique dealer who, after years of separation, finally meets other collectors to trade pieces and try to complete the famous seven-doll Matryoshka sets. The catch? Nobody is playing nice: everyone wants to leave the meeting with the most valuable collection, and that's where the fun (and the cunning) begins.

The gameplay is divided into four intense rounds. In each one, players reveal a Matryoshka from their hand, and the others make secret trade offers. Tension rises as you evaluate who is offering what you actually need and who is just trying to dump a useless card. After reviewing the proposals, the card owner decides who to trade with.

But it's not just about luck or blind trading. At the end of each round, you must expose part of your collection on the table. This creates a cat-and-mouse game, as your opponents now know exactly what you're looking for and can use that information to manipulate future trades. Will you be honest in your negotiations or try to trick the group to get that missing piece for your set? The winner will be the player who, by the end of the game, has assembled the most valuable collection. It's a fast-paced game with constant interaction and that pinch of social tension that keeps the table lively, perfect for those who enjoy card games focused on negotiation and light strategy.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Categories

Families

Misc: LongPack Games
Publisher White Goblin Games, FunBox Jogos, Grok Games, Letiman Games, Matagot, Mercurio, Terra Nova Games, The Wood Games
Designer Sérgio Halaban
Artist Citie Lo, Eduardo Bera, Mokoko
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game last?
It's super fast! A game takes about 20 minutes, making it an ideal filler between longer games.
How many people can play?
The game works for 3 to 5 players. The more people, the more chaotic and fun the negotiations become.
Is it a complex game to learn?
Not at all! The rules are simple and intuitive, allowing anyone to start playing in a few minutes.
Is the game based on luck or strategy?
There's some luck in the card distribution, but the strategy lies in how you negotiate and how you hide (or reveal) your goals.
Who do you recommend this game for?
For those who enjoy card games, love negotiating, and want something light to play with friends or family.