# Samurai: The Card Game

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2009
- **BGG Rating**: 6.3
- **BGG Rank**: #7703
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.08 / 5
- **Designers**: Reiner Knizia
- **Artists**: Franz Vohwinkel
- **Publishers**: ABACUSSPIELE, Hobby Japan, Rio Grande Games, Wargames Club Publishing
- **Categories**: Card Game, Medieval
- **Mechanics**: Enclosure, Hand Management, Highest-Lowest Scoring, Modular Board, Set Collection, Square Grid, Sudden Death Ending, Tile Placement

## Verdict
For those who enjoy a more abstract and faster strategy game, Samurai: The Card Game is a great choice! It's the essence of Knizia in a card format that surprises with its depth.Engaging abstract strategyQuick and portableClassic Knizia scoringSimulates board with cardsMay seem too simpleLuck of the draw mattersRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you dig the strategic vibe of the original Samurai but want a quicker, more portable version, Samurai: The Card Game might be just the ticket! Here, we simulate the board using village cards, which are actually square tiles. The goal is to build out this map, and on each turn, every player plays one of the five cards from their hand, drawn from identical decks. When a village is surrounded by four cards, it releases its shape tokens, which are used for scoring. And here's a neat twist: a new village only appears when two cards from different players create the perfect spot for it! Scoring follows the Knizia style: having a majority in one category merely qualifies you, but it's your total in the other two categories that determines the ultimate winner. This game demands planning, a bit of bluffing, and good hand management to ensure you don't run out of options when it counts. It's perfect for those who enjoy area control and set collection games with a touch of abstract strategy, all in a compact format that fits your pocket and your schedule. The complexity is accessible, but the decisions are deep enough to keep everyone engaged.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
A game of Samurai: The Card Game usually lasts around 60 minutes, making it great for fitting into a game night.

### How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, making it versatile for different groups.

### Is this game difficult to learn?
The rules are relatively simple to grasp, but the strategic decisions can be quite deep, especially with 3 or 4 players.

### Are the components good quality?
As a card game, the main quality lies in the cards and scoring markers. They are functional and serve their purpose well.

### Who is this game best suited for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy abstract games, area control, and clever scoring mechanics, especially fans of the original Samurai board game or other Reiner Knizia titles.

### Does it require a lot of table space?
No, as a card game that simulates a modular board, it occupies a relatively small amount of table space.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 17.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=148532&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 17.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5044753&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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