Guillotine

Guillotine

Card GameHumor
Players
2-5
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
30 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
12+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.3 / 5
Year
1998

About the game

Guillotine is a light card game for 2-5 players set during the French Revolution, where you play an executioner competing to behead the most popular nobles for glory. Each of three days, players use action cards to manipulate the line of nobles before harvesting heads, aiming to score the most points from the highest-value victims. Quick turns, dark humor, and a manageable 30-minute playtime make it an easy pick-up for casual groups.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's team enjoys Guillotine as a breezy, humorous filler with just enough hand-management depth to reward planning your card plays. The theme is played for laughs rather than horror, keeping the tone light despite the macabre premise. It's an easy recommendation for groups wanting something fast between heavier games.

What we like

  • Fast, easy-to-learn rules ideal for newcomers.
  • Dark comedic theme adds personality.
  • Card manipulation adds a light strategic layer.
  • Short 30-minute playtime fits well between other games.

Keep in mind

  • Limited long-term strategic depth.
  • Can suffer from kingmaker effects in the final day.

Who it's for

Good for casual gamers and families (ages 10+) in groups of 2-5 wanting a short, humorous card game.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementDraftingSet CollectionTake That

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