Kamisado
- 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.
- 20 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.4 / 5
- Year
- 2008
About the game
A pure abstract strategy game for two players with no dice, cards, or luck - just tactical foresight. Players race to move an octagonal "dragon tower" across the board, but each move is dictated by the color of the space the opponent last landed on, creating a constant push-and-pull of forced choices. As towers get blocked, players must think several moves ahead to avoid being stuck, while promoted "Sumo" towers gain the power to push enemy pieces back. A sleek, elegant duel for fans of chess-like abstract games.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team admires how Kamisado achieves real strategic depth from an incredibly simple, elegant rule set - the color-matching movement restriction creates chess-like tension without any randomness. Its quick 20-minute playtime and gorgeous minimalist components make it a great pocket duel. It rewards careful forward-planning and spatial reasoning in equal measure. Being purely abstract with no theme or luck may feel too dry for players who prefer thematic games.
What we like
- Elegant, purely skill-based abstract gameplay.
- Beautiful, tactile components.
- Quick 20-minute playtime.
- No luck element rewards pure strategic thinking.
Keep in mind
- Purely two-player only.
- Abstract theme may feel too dry for narrative-loving players.
- Limited variability between games once strategies are learned.
Who it's for
Fans of abstract strategy and two-player duels, ages 8+, ideal for a quick, skill-based head-to-head match.
