Pocket Samurai (2024)

About this game

Unleash your inner samurai and engage in epic duels with Pocket Samurai, a new, lightning-fast, drafting card game. Its easy-to-learn rules and intuitive gameplay make it the perfect game for casual and hardcore players alike. Overpower, outmaneuver or outwit your opponents to claim victory on the field of battle. Get ready to experience the thrill of the fight with Pocket Samurai! The game is broken up into two phases: the Dojo Phase and the Bushido phase. The Dojo phase is an open draft where players take turn selecting face up cards and adding them to their hand. In the Bushido phase players lay cards face down then simultaneously reveal them. The winner is the player that plays a strike card while having more sword icons then their opponent has Helm Icons. It is possible for both players to Strike and the game end in a draw! -description from designer

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 14 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.