# Okiya

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 6.6
- **BGG Rank**: #3167
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 10 min
- **Weight**: 1.22 / 5
- **Designers**: Bruno Cathala
- **Artists**: Cyril Bouquet
- **Publishers**: Blue Orange (EU), Blue Orange Games, Feelindigo, Le Grand Massif, Jactalea, Lautapelit.fi, Lifestyle Boardgames Ltd, Oxybul, Pegasus Spiele, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy
- **Mechanics**: Pattern Building

## Verdict
Short, tense, and packed with logic – pattern‑building lovers will fall in love.Logic challengeFast gamesMinimalist designOnly two playersSimple rules, demanding playHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Okiya, also known as Niya, is a two-player duel where each player tries to place their tokens on a 4x4 board strategically. Initially, the 16 tiles are shuffled and set up; each tile features a type of vegetation (maple, cherry, pine, or iris) and a poetic symbol (rising sun, bird, rain, or tanzaku). The starting player removes a tile from the edge, sets it aside, and places one of their tokens in the empty space. The opponent must then choose only tiles that share, at least, the same vegetation or the same symbol of the tile removed, and repeats the process. Thus, each move restricts the next player’s choices, creating tension of “who will win the line, the square, or the block”. Victory occurs when someone forms a line of four tokens, a 2x2 square, or simply blocks the opponent from placing more tokens. If the last tile is removed without a win, the game ends in a tie. Okiya can be played in single games, best-of-three, or point-based tournaments, where scoring depends on the number of tiles remaining when the win occurs. The components are compact: 16 tiles, 2 tokens, a magnetic flip box for shuffling, and a metal box for storage. The game is quick, with matches around 10 minutes, and demands attention to combination logic and move prediction. Ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy challenges, short yet deep games. If you like tense duels with simple rules but deep strategy, Okiya will surprise you. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or any group wanting to test who has more board control. Despite being a two-player game, the pattern-building mechanic offers a rich, repeatable experience with high replayability and a visual charm reminiscent of classic Japanese aesthetics.

## FAQ
### How many players can play Okiya?
The game is designed exclusively for two players.

### How long does a typical game last?
Each game takes about 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions.

### What components are included?
The game comes with 16 tiles, 2 tokens, a magnetic flip box for shuffling, and a metal box for storage.

### What is the complexity level?
The rules are simple, but the mechanics require strategic thinking and prediction, offering depth without complication.

### Who is the game intended for?
It’s perfect for couples, friends, or any group that wants to test who has more board control in short matches.

### Does the game have a theme?
Yes, the theme revolves around a Japanese imperial garden, with tiles featuring vegetation and poetic symbols.

### Are there any game variations?
Players can choose between single games, best‑of‑three, or point tournaments where scoring depends on remaining tiles.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 31.83 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=602723&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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