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rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Fans of trick‑taking and action will fall in love with Slaughter the Dragon, Ha.
Highlights
- Exciting trick play
- Surprising effect cards
- Strategic hand control
Keep in mind
- Short playtime
- Somewhat complex rules
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In a setting where samurai and ninjas patrol the villages, a malevolent dragon spreads storms and poison. The local lord summons warriors to slay the beast and bring its body as proof of victory. But beware: cutting the wrong spot can let the poison claim your life. Slaughter the Dragon, Ha is a trick‑taking card game that blends tension and strategy. Each round, the player who wins the trick collects a Dragon Body token (positive points) and all the purple cards played (negative points). The twist comes from ninjutsu powers: one lets you swap hidden cards with a secret deck (Inverted Scale), another splits your hand into two parts for tactical management. The game ends after a set number of rounds or when someone reaches –100 points. There’s also a “Shoot the Moon” condition that can flip the game: whoever collects all 12 purple cards earns +60 points. The components are simple: a 52‑card deck, 12 Dragon Body tokens, 4 effect cards, and a point marker. The trick‑taking mechanic makes each hand unpredictable, while the effect cards add twists that demand constant attention. It’s ideal for 3 to 5 players, lasts between 30 and 50 minutes, and has a medium complexity level. If you enjoy games that combine luck, hand control, and quick decisions, Slaughter the Dragon, Ha will keep you hooked. The dragon and ninja theme adds an epic flair that appeals to both fantasy lovers and action‑story fans. The game requires careful reading of effect cards, but the learning curve is gentle, letting newcomers feel at ease from the first turn. What truly sets the game apart is the chance to turn the tide with the “Shoot the Moon” play, which demands courage and timing to earn the +60 bonus. If you’re looking for something quick to play yet still offering strategic depth, this title has everything you need.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
Siroup Games
Designer
Sirou Yamaoka
Artist
長谷川 登鯉 (Tori Hasegawa)
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Slaughter the Dragon, Ha?
3 to 5 players.
What is the average playtime?
Between 30 and 50 minutes.
Is the game suitable for beginners?
Yes, the learning curve is gentle, though it requires attention to effect cards.
What are the game components?
A 52‑card deck, 12 Dragon Body tokens, 4 effect cards, and a point marker.
What is the complexity level?
Medium, with trick‑taking mechanics and effect cards that demand quick decisions.
What is the game theme?
Dragons, samurai, and ninjas in an action‑fantasy setting.
How does one win the game?
When a player reaches –100 points or the set number of rounds ends; a “Shoot the Moon” can also secure victory.
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