Keltis: Das Kartenspiel

Keltis: Das Kartenspiel

Card GameNumber
Players
2-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
3 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).
1.5 / 5
Year
2009

About the game

Keltis: Das Kartenspiel is Reiner Knizia's streamlined card-game take on his Keltis board game and its cousin, Lost Cities. Players hold a hand of colored number cards and, each turn, either play a card onto a matching-color pile (numbers must ascend) or discard it, then draw a replacement. Each color includes two special 'finishing cards' that can close out that pile at any time, and the game ends once five finishing cards have been played or the deck runs out. Careful sequencing and knowing when to commit to a color are key to building the highest-scoring runs. It's a light, elegant set-collection game that plays quickly with two to four players.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editorial team appreciates how Keltis: Das Kartenspiel distills Knizia's knack for clean, tense number-sequencing into a quick, portable card game. The push-your-luck feel of deciding whether to keep building a color run or cut your losses gives it real bite despite its light weight. It's a great choice for casual game nights or as a gateway to set-collection games. Just don't confuse it with Lost Cities or Keltis the board game -- similar DNA, but each has its own distinct feel.

What we like

  • Simple, elegant rules that are easy to teach in minutes.
  • Meaningful push-your-luck tension in deciding when to commit to a color.
  • Quick twenty-minute playtime suits a wide range of game nights.
  • Classic Knizia design pedigree with proven set-collection appeal.

Keep in mind

  • Limited player interaction beyond competing for the same finishing cards.
  • Can feel repetitive over many consecutive plays.
  • Light strategic depth may not satisfy players wanting a meatier challenge.

Who it's for

Great for casual and family gamers aged 8 and up who enjoy light set-collection card games, best with two to four players.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementSet Collection

Games similar to Keltis: Das Kartenspiel