Rabohnzel

Lookout Games · Board game · 2005
3–5 · best 3, 4 90 min Weight 2.3/5
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love lively trades and a dash of magic, Rabohnzel delivers humor and strategy on top of classic Bohnanza.

Highlights
  • Fun hand management
  • Spells that alter play
  • Varied special beans
Keep in mind
  • German text
  • Needs translation
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Rabohnzel arrives as a fully standalone take on Bohnanza, but with a fantasy twist that turns simple bean farming into a magical adventure. The game debuted as a limited Essen 2005 release (only 3,000 boxes), so you already feel you hold something special. Instead of merely collecting beans, you now handle seven different types, each granting unique abilities and, occasionally, Sword Beans that can "liberate" Princess Beans from opponents. On top of that, there are 11 spells players can learn during the game, letting you bend rules, sabotage rivals, or give your harvest a much‑needed boost.

The core mechanic remains hand management: you must decide when to plant, when to trade, and when to hold cards for the perfect moment. Set collection stays vital, as completing bean groups scores points, but now sets may include special effects that can swing the game. Negotiation is livelier than ever, with players swapping beans and spells in real time, trying to assemble the ideal combination.

A deck‑depletion counter warns when the draw pile is running low, preventing endless games. Most card text is in German, so non‑German speakers will need a translation sheet or pre‑translated cards. While the learning curve is moderate, the game retains Bohnanza's humor and lightness, adding strategic layers that please both fans of the original and those who enjoy negotiation and magical themes. If you love games that mix humor, intense trades, and a splash of fantasy, Rabohnzel might be the perfect addition to your table.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Bohnanza Series: Bean Games (Lookout)
Publisher Lookout Games
Designer Uwe Rosenberg
Artist Marcel-André Casasola Merkle

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can join?
3 to 5 players.
What is the playing time?
About 90 minutes per game.
How complex is the game?
Light to moderate; a good fit for those familiar with Bohnanza.
Do I need to understand German?
The main text is in German, so a translation sheet or pre‑translated cards are recommended.
What are the main components?
Bean cards, spell cards, a deck‑depletion counter, and Princess tokens.
Are expansions required?
No, Rabohnzel is a complete standalone game.
Who is this game for?
Fans of Bohnanza, negotiation‑heavy games, and anyone who enjoys a light fantasy theme.

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