Circle the Wagons

Circle the Wagons

Card GameCity Building
Players
2
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
2 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
15 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
8+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.6 / 5
Year
2017

About the game

Circle the Wagons is a two-player, 18-card map-building game where each player drafts cards around a shared circle and places them to build the best boomtown in the West. Success comes from connecting matching territories to score prosperity points, while three shared bonus cards in the center offer extra scoring opportunities. With over 800 unique scoring combinations, the small deck delivers a big variety of drafting and placement decisions in just 15 minutes.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editors love how much strategic texture Circle the Wagons squeezes out of a tiny 18-card box. Its drafting-and-placement puzzle rewards careful planning without ever overstaying its welcome, making it an ideal pocket game for a quick head-to-head. It's a two-player-only game and won't have the table presence of a bigger box, but for what it is, it's tightly designed.

What we like

  • Tiny footprint makes it extremely easy to travel with.
  • Over 800 unique scoring combinations keep it fresh.
  • Quick to teach and plays in about 15 minutes.
  • Satisfying territory-connecting puzzle.

Keep in mind

  • Only playable with exactly two players.
  • Low production value and table presence.
  • May feel too light for players wanting a bigger strategic challenge.

Who it's for

Perfect for two players who enjoy quick, portable puzzle games; a great pick for travel or a between-games filler for couples or friends.

Mechanics

ContractsLayeringDraftingSet CollectionTile Placement

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