To Court the King

AMIGO, cosaic, Rio Grande Games · Board game · 2006
2–5 · best 3 45 min Weight 1.7/5
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a quick dice game with a 'push your luck' feel and light strategy, 'To Court the King' is a great choice for groups looking for fun and some laughs at the table.

Highlights
  • Exciting dice rolling
  • Character strategy
  • Fast and fun
  • Easy to learn
  • Dice interaction
Keep in mind
  • Relies on dice luck
  • Limited strategic depth
  • Potential for runaway leader
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In 'To Court the King', you and your friends step into the shoes of ambitious petitioners at the royal court, each vying to win the King's favor. But, as in any respectable court, reaching the monarch is no easy feat! First, you'll need to curry favor with the servants and minor officials, who, with a little persuasion, can grant you access to the nobility. And it's the nobility, of course, who hold the key to the throne room. The game unfolds in dynamic turns, where dice luck and cunning meet. On your turn, you'll gather your dice, make an initial roll, and then, with a touch of strategy, choose which dice to set aside and which to re-roll, until all dice are locked. This is where the magic happens: with the dice combination you've managed, you can 'recruit' court characters. Each of these characters has a specific dice cost (like two pairs or a high total value) and, in return, offers super useful benefits for your subsequent rolls, such as extra dice or the ability to manipulate roll results. The race for the throne heats up when a player secures the Queen's support, guaranteeing temporary favor from the King and the advantage in case of a tie in the final round. This final round is the grand climax: everyone tries to roll the highest possible number of matching dice (like seven '2s' or eight '6s'). Whoever achieves the longest and highest-value sequence wins the King's favor and the game! The game comes with 12 dice, 60 character cards, 5 player aids, 1 marker, and the rules, everything you need for a royal showdown.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: BrettspielWelt Digital Implementations: Yucata
Publisher AMIGO, cosaic, Rio Grande Games
Designer Thomas Lehmann
Artist Taira Akitsu, Volkan Baga
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for To Court the King?
A game of To Court the King is super quick, taking about 45 minutes. Perfect for filling that gap between longer games or for a more casual gaming session!
How many players can participate?
The game accommodates 2 to 5 players, making it versatile for different group sizes, whether for a duel or a fuller table.
What is the complexity level of the game?
To Court the King is considered a light complexity game (BGG weight of 1.7325/5). The rules are easy to pick up, but the decision of which dice to keep and which to re-roll adds an interesting layer of strategy.
What comes in the game box?
Inside the box, you'll find 12 dice, 60 character cards, 5 player aids, 1 marker, and the rulebook. Everything you need to start courting the King!
Who is To Court the King best suited for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy dice games with a good balance of luck and tactical decisions, fans of 'push your luck' mechanics, and those looking for a quick and fun experience with family or friends.
Is there much player interaction?
Interaction is indirect but present. You'll always be keeping an eye on the dice combinations and characters your opponents are aiming for, which can influence your own choices and the race for the Queen's support.
Is the game language dependent?
Not heavily! The text on the character cards is minimal and easily memorized, making the game accessible even for those who don't master English. Player aids summarize the effects well.