Reiner Knizia's Decathlon

(Web published), Blue Terrier Press, Games & Puzzles Publications · Board game · 2003
1–4 · best 2 Solo 45 min Weight 1.2/5
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love fast dice games and want to test their luck in a competitive atmosphere. Its strength lies in its addictive simplicity.

Highlights
  • Simple and fast rules
  • Constant risk-taking tension
  • Easy to start (Print & Play)
  • Variants add strategic depth
Keep in mind
  • Heavily dependent on luck
  • Basic components (paper and pen)
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

Get your breath ready and your luck sharpened, because Reiner Knizia's Decathlon turns the tension of the Olympics into a frantic dice challenge! The game isn't just one event, but a marathon composed of 10 quick mini-games, each simulating a real decathlon event: from the explosion of the 100-meter dash and the precision of the javelin throw to the brutal endurance of the 1500-meter run. The premise is simple, but the tension is high: you use eight dice to try and achieve the best possible score in each event.

The dynamics revolve around rolling the dice, deciding which results to 'lock' and which ones to try again. It's that classic dilemma of 'should I try to improve this number or play it safe so I don't lose everything?'. The ultimate goal is to accumulate the highest overall score after all ten events. For those seeking more depth, there are interesting variants, such as the Energy variant, where each roll consumes a limited resource, forcing you to think strategically about where to invest your efforts. Any remaining energy? It can be converted into extra points at the end!

Another cool option for group play is the championship mode, which turns each event into a direct fight for the podium, distributing points based on ranking (1st, 2nd, 3rd...). Being a Print & Play game, all you need is paper, a pen, and eight standard six-sided dice to start the competition. It's the perfect choice for those who enjoy fast-paced, competitive games that rely on a mix of luck and risk management, all with the signature touch of one of the world's greatest designers.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Mechanism: Roll-and-Write Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Sports: Athletics / Track and Field
Publisher (Web published), Blue Terrier Press, Games & Puzzles Publications, Hugendubel Verlag
Designer Reiner Knizia

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,343owners
243wishlist
17want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need to buy expensive components?
Nope! You only need 8 standard six-sided dice, paper, and a pen.
How long does a game last?
About 45 minutes to complete all 10 events.
Can I play solo?
Yes, the game supports 1 to 4 players, making it great for beating your own records in solo mode.
Is the game complex?
Not at all, it's very accessible. The complexity is low, focusing more on luck and the decision to risk or stop.
Where can I find the rules?
The rules are free and can be found on Reiner Knizia's official website.

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