Somnia

Tarte Games, New Mill Industries · Board game · 2019
2–4 · best 3 30–45 min Weight 2.0/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy trick-taking games with a thematic twist and an interesting challenge, Somnia might be your next favorite! It's quick, features beautiful art, and rules that stray a bit from the usual.

Highlights
  • Tricky trick-taking gameplay
  • Captivating dream theme
  • Fantastic, accessible art
  • Modern take on classics
Keep in mind
  • Risk of losing lives
  • The 'middler' dynamic
  • Can be frustrating
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Prepare to dive into the dream world with Somnia, a card game that blends trick-taking tension with the intriguing theme of collecting dream fragments and escaping nightmares. Here, each player starts with 3 lives, and the goal is not to be caught off guard. If you end a round (a 'hand') as one of the 'middlers' – meaning you didn't score the lowest or highest points in that trick – brace yourself, as a life might be lost! And beware, accumulating too many points can also cost you dearly. The game continues until the last breath, or rather, until a player loses all their lives. The cards are divided into four suits, with values ranging from 0 to 20 points. The 'nightmare' suit acts as the trump and its identity changes depending on the first card played when someone cannot follow suit. The coolest part is that the points and values of some cards in the nightmare suit undergo dynamic changes, adding an extra layer of strategy. Somnia is a modern adaptation of classic Swiss trick-taking games like Mittlere Jass and Molotov Jass, with simplified rules and fantastic artwork that makes everything more accessible and visually appealing. There's even an original variant for 2 players, showing the creators' affection for tradition.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 BEST
4 OK
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Theme: Dreams / Nightmares Traditional Card Games: Jass
Publisher Tarte Games, New Mill Industries
Designer Kazuma Suzuki
Artist A. Giroux, 別府さい (Sai Beppu)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can play Somnia?
Somnia is designed for 2 to 4 players. There's a special 2-player variant created by the designers!
How long does a game of Somnia typically last?
A game of Somnia usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the players' familiarity with the game.
Is Somnia a difficult game to learn?
The complexity is considered light to moderate (BGG weight 2/5). The basic trick-taking rules are simple, but the life-loss mechanic and the nightmare suit add strategic depth.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to survive as long as possible by avoiding losing all 3 of your lives. You lose a life by being a 'middler' or accumulating too many points in a trick.
What is the 'nightmare' suit?
It's the trump suit for the round. It's determined by the first card played when someone cannot follow the main suit, and some cards within it have changing values during the game.
Who is Somnia recommended for?
It's great for those who enjoy classic card games but are looking for something with more theme, beautiful art, and a twist on traditional trick-taking rules.
Are the components good quality?
Yes, the game is known for its fantastic artwork and very readable graphic design, which enhances immersion and gameplay.