Small-box card games are coming out all the time, which means plenty of variety for gamers, but it also suggests a bit of pre-purchase planning.
One game to take a serious look at is Dojo, initially released in Europe as Meister Makatsu.
The game has some immediate pedigree, as it comes from designer Reiner Knizia, who is notable for being a rather prolific designer with a solid résumé of good games.
Dojo earns some immediate attention as a collection addition because it plays two to six players, which offers great flexibility for a game group. You are never sure who might be making game night.
In Dojo, the theme suggests that players compete with their ninjas for the favor of the renowned master by demonstrating their “mastery of perfect timing and strategic moves.”
That description makes Dojo sound more complicated than it is, although there is definitely strategy involved.
Each player has their own deck of 24 cards, with cards numbered 1 through 8 in three colors.
On their turn, players play a card face-up from a hand of four. They then take another turn, playing a second card from the remaining three face-up onto the table. You do not need to follow suit here.
During each turn, whoever plays the highest card in a suit receives points equal to the round number.
Played cards are removed from the game, while unplayed cards in your hand return to your deck for use in subsequent rounds.
At the end of the game, whoever has the fewest points wins.
The strategy becomes obvious fairly quickly. Playing high cards in the first round is advantageous because they only count as one point against you. This makes it worthwhile to hold onto your lower cards for later rounds, when the point values are higher.
Of course, the draw of the cards and the timing of your plays are still factors you have to deal with.
With its slightly different goal, something Knizia is known for, simple rules, and versatility in player count, Dojo is a great little card game to consider adding to your collection.
Dojo is published by Kikigagne and others and, in Canada, is available through ilo307.com.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
The Meeple Guild: Different Game Goals Make Dojo a Fun Experience
One game to take a serious look at is Dojo, initially released in Europe as Meister Makatsu.
The game has some immediate pedigree, as it comes from designer Reiner Knizia, who is notable for being a rather prolific designer with a solid résumé of good games.
Dojo earns some immediate attention as a collection addition because it plays two to six players, which offers great flexibility for a game group. You are never sure who might be making game night.
In Dojo, the theme suggests that players compete with their ninjas for the favor of the renowned master by demonstrating their “mastery of perfect timing and strategic moves.”
That description makes Dojo sound more complicated than it is, although there is definitely strategy involved.
Each player has their own deck of 24 cards, with cards numbered 1 through 8 in three colors.
On their turn, players play a card face-up from a hand of four. They then take another turn, playing a second card from the remaining three face-up onto the table. You do not need to follow suit here.
During each turn, whoever plays the highest card in a suit receives points equal to the round number.
Played cards are removed from the game, while unplayed cards in your hand return to your deck for use in subsequent rounds.
At the end of the game, whoever has the fewest points wins.
The strategy becomes obvious fairly quickly. Playing high cards in the first round is advantageous because they only count as one point against you. This makes it worthwhile to hold onto your lower cards for later rounds, when the point values are higher.
Of course, the draw of the cards and the timing of your plays are still factors you have to deal with.
With its slightly different goal, something Knizia is known for, simple rules, and versatility in player count, Dojo is a great little card game to consider adding to your collection.
Dojo is published by Kikigagne and others and, in Canada, is available through ilo307.com.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
See author's posts