Sleeping Queens
- 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.
- 20 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.1 / 5
- Year
- 2005
About the game
Sleeping Queens is a beloved family card game for two to five players who work to wake twelve sleeping Queens from their royal slumber. On a turn, a player plays a King to claim a sleeping Queen, a Knight to steal an opponent's Queen, a Potion to send a Queen back to sleep, a Jester to gamble on the top of the deck, or discards number cards to draw fresh ones. Each Queen carries a point value, and the game ends once all Queens are awake or a player reaches the point threshold, with the highest score winning. Famously designed by a young Miranda Evarts, the game pairs simple, whimsical rules with just enough strategy and luck to keep both kids and adults engaged.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team consistently recommends this as one of the best entry points for young children into strategic card games. Its short twenty-minute playtime and charming fairy-tale theme make it an easy, repeatable choice for family game nights. It's light on depth for adult gamers playing alone, but as a game to share across generations it remains a genuine classic.
What we like
- Extremely easy to teach to young children in just a few minutes.
- Charming, whimsical fairy-tale theme and artwork.
- Quick twenty-minute playtime fits easily into family game nights.
- Balances light strategy with luck to keep all ages engaged.
Keep in mind
- Limited strategic depth will not satisfy dedicated adult gamers.
- Luck plays a significant role in outcomes.
- Can feel repetitive after many consecutive plays.
Who it's for
Families with children ages 5 to 8 and up; a light, whimsical card game for two to five players of any experience level.
