# The Magician

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2023
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 15-30 min
- **Weight**: 3.00 / 5
- **Designers**: D. Teuber
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Card Game, Puzzle
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Move Through Deck, Push Your Luck, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
If you enjoy a good solo card challenge and aren't afraid of a Tarot deck, 'The Magician' is a sure bet! It's a strategic puzzle that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Engaging solo challengeStrategic card puzzleCreative Tarot useQuick, tense playsLuck dependencyRequires Tarot deckStrictly solo focusHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Prepare for a mystical journey with 'The Magician', a solo game that casts you as a powerful sorcerer aiming to dominate the Major Arcana using a Tarot deck! Your objective is to subjugate 21 Major Arcana cards, and to achieve this, you'll wield the four suits of the Minor Arcana: Wands, Pentacles, Swords, and Cups. These cards are your tools to control the elements and manipulate the game. Four Major Arcana cards are revealed in the center of the table, forming a pattern, and you must surround them with Minor Arcana cards. The magic happens when the sum of the values of the Minor Arcana cards surrounding a Major Arcana card exceeds its value, and a card of each suit is present. If successful, both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana cards used are discarded. Some Major Arcana cards have special conditions for their subjugation, while others offer bonuses after victory. The Magician card itself is a powerful trump, allowing you to activate special abilities, such as turning a suit into a wild card. The game offers a good dose of 'push your luck', as you need to decide when to play your cards and when to risk more for victory. If you manage to subjugate all 21 Major Arcana before the Minor Arcana deck runs out, victory is yours! It's a challenge that demands planning, hand management, and a bit of luck. With a short playtime, between 15 and 30 minutes, it's perfect for those seeking a quick and engaging pastime. The medium weight (3/5) indicates strategic depth without becoming overly complex, ideal for fans of puzzles and card games with a fantasy and medieval theme. The base game already offers variability, with expansions available for those seeking even more challenges and rewards.

## FAQ
### How many people can play The Magician?
This is a strictly solo game, designed for one player only.

### How long does a game take?
A game of The Magician typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.

### Do I need a Tarot deck to play?
Yes, the game uses a standard 78-card Tarot deck.

### Is it a difficult game to learn?
The rules are relatively straightforward, but the game offers a good strategic challenge, with a medium weight of 3/5.

### Who is The Magician recommended for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy solo games, puzzles, and appreciate fantasy themes and the use of Tarot cards.

### Are there expansions for the game?
Yes, expansions are available that add more requirements and rewards, increasing replayability.

### What does 'push your luck' mean?
It means you have to decide whether to risk more for a potentially better play, knowing you might lose everything if you push too far.