The Great Dalmuti

The Great Dalmuti

Card Game
Players
4-8
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
6 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
60 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
8+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.3 / 5
Year
1995

About the game

The Great Dalmuti is a light, fast card game of shedding cards and climbing the social ladder, designed by Richard Garfield. Players race to empty their hands by playing sets of matching-rank cards, with the first to go out crowned The Great Dalmuti and the last stuck as the lowly Peon. Seating and card exchanges shift each round to reflect the new hierarchy, adding a fun, chaotic social element. It's a commercial version of the classic climbing game President.

Hobbli's Notes

We love this as a hilarious icebreaker: the shifting hierarchy and card trading between rounds create constant table talk and laughs. It's extremely light on strategy, so serious gamers may find it too simple for repeat plays. As a large-group party filler, though, it's hard to beat.

What we like

  • Supports up to 8 players for big group fun.
  • Quick to teach and play.
  • Fun social hierarchy mechanic with card trading.
  • Classic, widely loved design by Richard Garfield.

Keep in mind

  • Very light strategic depth.
  • Luck of the deal has a big impact on outcomes.
  • Can feel repetitive over many rounds.

Who it's for

Great for large groups of family and friends aged 8 and up who want a quick, silly, social card game.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementLadder ClimbingVariable Player Powers

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