# Zen Master

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 6.3
- **BGG Rank**: #6991
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 1.31 / 5
- **Designers**: Reiner Knizia
- **Artists**: Charlie Bink, Lucas Guidetti Perez, Marek Bláha
- **Publishers**: 999 Games, Eagle-Gryphon Games, Egmont Polska, Gen-X Games (GenX), Gigamic, Helvetiq, Mandoo Games, Popcorn Games, Vem Pra Mesa Jogos, Zoch Verlag
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Set Collection, Trick-taking

## Verdict
Looking for a quick card game with a strategic twist that tests your ability to predict others? Zen Master is for you!Fast and strategicEasy to learnPortable and straightforwardLow replayabilityLittle direct interactionCan be frustratingRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready for a battle of wits in Zen Master (also known as Yin Yang or Fifty-Fifty)! In this quick and straightforward card game, the goal is to have the lowest score possible by the end of a few rounds. Each turn, every player chooses a card from their hand to play. The highest card played earns light tokens, while the lowest earns dark tokens. The exact number of tokens for each color is determined by a special scoring card revealed for that turn. The twist is that these scoring cards can award different amounts of light and dark tokens, adding a very interesting strategic layer. At the end of each round, you discard pairs of light and dark tokens. Whatever remains is your score for that round. It sounds simple, but the decision of which card to play and when to sacrifice a stronger card to avoid unwanted tokens is what makes the game challenging. Unlike other games in its genre, in Zen Master, you don't play all the cards from your hand each round, giving you some wiggle room to plan your next moves. It's an ideal game for those who enjoy trick-taking and set collection mechanics but with a unique twist and a playtime that fits any break. Perfect for taking on trips or for quick matches among friends who appreciate a good, uncomplicated challenge.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for Zen Master?
A game of Zen Master usually lasts around 30 minutes, making it quite fast.

### How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 3 to 5 players.

### Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, the rules are quite simple, and you'll get the hang of it within a few rounds. The complexity comes from the strategic decisions.

### What is the theme of the game?
The theme is abstract, focusing on balance and scoring, with references to Yin Yang.

### Who would enjoy this game?
It's great for those who enjoy card games with trick-taking and set collection mechanics but want something faster and with a unique twist.

### Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
The interaction is indirect, focused on trying to predict and outmaneuver opponents' plays to get the best tokens (or avoid the worst).

### Is it a good game for travel?
Absolutely! Being compact and having quick games, it's an excellent option to play anywhere.

## Price Comparison
### Best Offers in Brazil
- **Tubaleria**: R$ 47,04 (https://tubaleria.store/produtos/cordis/?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **Leão Livros**: R$ 55,70 (https://www.leaolivros.com.br/cordis?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **Omniverse**: R$ 55,71 (https://www.omniverse.com.br/produto/cordis?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **Cangaia Jogos**: R$ 63,23 (https://www.cangaiajogos.com.br/todos-os-jogos/jogos-para-familia/cordis?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **Brechó Lúdico**: R$ 80,49 (https://brecholudico.com.br/produto/cordis/?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **Vem Pra Mesa Jogos**: R$ 85,41 (https://vempramesajogos.commercesuite.com.br/jogo-de-tabuleiro/cordis?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/cordis

### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 15.43 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1800901&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/30809/zen-master?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com