The Dwarf King

IELLO, Delta Vision Publishing, Devir · Board game · 2011
3–5 · best 4 40 min Weight 1.4/5
rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy trick-taking games with a twist and love a dose of unpredictability, The Dwarf King is for you! It's a game that makes you think fast and adapt each round.

Highlights
  • Round-to-round rule variation
  • Quick to learn and play
  • Constant player interaction
  • Perfect for friend groups
  • Trick-taking with a twist
Keep in mind
  • Can have some luck involved
  • Best with 4-5 players
  • Not for heavy euro fans
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey board game enthusiasts! How about a trick-taking game that throws you into a dispute between dwarves, goblins, and knights? In The Dwarf King, fun is guaranteed for 3 to 5 players, in quick 40-minute matches. Here's the deal: the game unfolds over seven rounds, and each one has a different twist. The deck has 53 cards, divided into three suits (Dwarves, Goblins, and Knights) and some special cards that add extra flavor. At the start of each round, a special card is drawn, read to everyone, and then shuffled into the deck. This immediately changes the dynamic! The icing on the cake is the twenty contract tiles. The player who gets the 5 of Knights picks one of these tiles, reads the two scoring rules it has, and decides which one will apply for that round. This means that each round, the goals change, and you need to adapt quickly! Whoever holds the 5 of Goblins leads the first trick. The rule is clear: if you can, follow suit. There are no trump cards here, so the highest card of the played suit wins the trick and starts the next one. After all cards have been played, everyone tallies their points (which can be negative, so be careful!), the special card and contract tile are removed from the game, and everything is shuffled again for the next round. At the end of the seven rounds, whoever has the most accumulated points is crowned the Dwarf King! If you enjoy a trick-taking game with a touch of unpredictability and plenty of interaction, The Dwarf King might be your next addiction.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Mechanics

Families

Creatures: Dwarves & Gnomes Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Misc: LongPack Games
Publisher IELLO, Delta Vision Publishing, Devir, Fabrika Igr, Galápagos Jogos, Giochi Uniti, Hobby Japan, PaperGames (III), Rexhry, Smart Ltd
Designer Bruno Faidutti
Artist Christophe Swal
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does The Dwarf King support, and what's the ideal number?
The game is designed for 3 to 5 players. While it works well with 3, the experience becomes more dynamic and strategic with 4 or 5 participants, as interaction and reading opponents are intensified.
What's the average game duration?
A game of The Dwarf King lasts around 40 minutes. It's an ideal time to fit between other activities or to play several consecutive games, as each round is quite fast-paced.
What's the game's complexity level?
With a BGG weight of 1.4141/5, The Dwarf King is considered a light game. The basic rules are easy to pick up, but the variation of rules per contract and hand management offer enough depth to maintain interest.
What makes The Dwarf King different from other trick-taking games?
The main difference lies in the special cards and, especially, the contract tiles that alter the scoring rules each round. This prevents the game from becoming routine and requires players to constantly adapt.
Who is The Dwarf King recommended for?
It's perfect for those who already enjoy trick-taking games (like Hearts or Bridge) and are looking for a more modern version with more twists. It's also great for groups of friends and families who want a fun, strategic game that doesn't take too long.
Are the game components easy to understand?
Yes, the components are very straightforward. The deck has clear suits and values, and the contract tiles are easy to read and interpret, concisely explaining the scoring rules for each round.