# Pharaoh

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 5.6
- **BGG Rank**: #26001
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 15 min
- **Weight**: 1.40 / 5
- **Designers**: Andrew Looney
- **Publishers**: (Web published), Looney Labs
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy
- **Mechanics**: Action Points, Pattern Building, Roll / Spin and Move

## Verdict
If you love quick, tactical battles, Pharaoh will win you over with its action‑point movement.Simple, intuitive movement15‑minute playtimeHigh replay valueColorful pyramid piecesDice roll adds luckNo stacking limits strategiesVery low learning curveHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Pharaoh is a fast, elegant duel that makes use of the iconic Icehouse pyramid pieces. Each player starts with three pieces of their colour, initially off‑board and entering through the edge closest to them. The playing field is a 5 × 5 grid with the corners cut out, creating a square arena with a central “hole”. On a turn you roll a die and turn the result into action points. Moving a small, medium or large piece one orthogonal square costs 1, 2 or 3 points respectively; diagonal moves cost double. Stacking is forbidden, but landing on an opponent’s piece of equal or smaller size captures it, sending it back to its owner’s reserve for re‑entry later. Victory is achieved by getting all three of your pieces in a line of three squares exactly in the board’s centre. Because the path to the centre can be blocked, the game becomes a tug‑of‑war of positioning, point management and calculated risk. A typical game lasts about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick play session or as a warm‑up before heavier titles. Though the rules are simple, players must constantly weigh movement costs against the chance to eliminate an opponent’s piece, leading to tactical choices on every roll. Pharaoh blends the accessibility of a family‑friendly game with the depth of a classic abstract strategy, ideal for fans of short yet strategic battles.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.

### How long does a game last?
About 15 minutes per play.

### What is the game's complexity?
Very low, suitable for beginners.

### What components are included?
Icehouse pyramids in three sizes, a six‑sided die, and a 5×5 board with missing corners.

### Does it require a lot of table space?
No, the board is compact and fits on a small table.

### Who is the game recommended for?
Families, friends, and abstract‑game fans who want quick, tactical matches.

### Are there any expansions?
There are no official expansions for Pharaoh.