Vye: The Card Game of Capture and Control

Sand Hat Games, LLC, Sixteen Coal Black Horses · Board game · 2013
2–5 · best 4 20 min Weight 1.6/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Buy
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love fast territory‑control games, Vye serves up strategic fun in about 20 minutes.

Highlights
  • Simple, quick rules
  • High replay value
  • Beautifully illustrated cards
  • Great price‑to‑value
Keep in mind
  • Card draw luck matters
  • Five‑player limit can feel tight
  • No official expansions
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Vye each player takes the throne of a fledgling kingdom and strives to expand their domain on a ever‑growing card map. The win condition is straightforward: at the end of the game the player who controls the largest connected area wins. To achieve this you place Land and Building cards on the table, claiming not only the card you just played but also any adjacent, unclaimed cards. Each player starts with five cards in hand and draws four new cards each turn, playing from either the hand or the so‑called “family” – a pool of cards not yet used. Hand Management is key – deciding when to unleash a powerful card or hold back to block an opponent can swing the game. The Area Majority / Influence mechanic makes board position as important as the card itself; holding strategic zones yields more victory points. Components are sleek: 53 beautifully illustrated cards and 100 wooden tokens in four colors, all packed in a compact box. In about 20 minutes Vye offers a tense, decision‑heavy experience, perfect for those who enjoy quick yet thoughtful games. While the learning curve is shallow, the blend of card luck and placement strategy ensures each round feels fresh, boosting replay value. Fans of Carcassonne, Fealty, or even Go will recognize familiar elements, but Vye adds its own flavor with cards and direct player conflict for 2‑5 participants.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Misc: LongPack Games
Publisher Sand Hat Games, LLC, Sixteen Coal Black Horses
Designer Doug Woolsey, Joe Morrissey, Vince D'Amelio
Artist Doug Woolsey

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,210owners
97wishlist
19want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 5 players, great for head‑to‑head duels or small group sessions.
What is the playing time?
About 20 minutes, stretching to 30 minutes if the board gets very contested.
How complex is the game?
It’s rated easy to learn, with a handful of straightforward rules.
What components are included?
53 illustrated cards, 100 wooden tokens in four colors, and a concise rulebook.
Who should buy this game?
Fans of abstract strategy, area control, and quick‑play sessions will enjoy it.

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