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Highly awarded
The Mind
Best for: Experiential game fans, groups open to unusual games
As d'OrGolden GeekSpiel des Jahres
2–420mLight
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Award winner · 1 organizationSee buying options →
Hanabi
Antoine Bauza · R&R Games / Cocktail Games · 2010
Hold your cards facing outward — everyone can see your hand except you. Give clues to teammates about their cards to cooperatively build ascending sequences of colored fireworks. The information constraint creates one of the tightest cooperative puzzles in gaming.
Players
2–5
Time
25 min
Ages
8+
Difficulty
Light
Why you'll like it
- You can't see your own cards — the concept is instantly gripping
- Deep cooperative puzzle in a tiny box
- Rules take 3 minutes to explain
- Perfect travel game
- Scoring system provides graduated success
How it plays
Hanabi is a cooperative card game about putting on a fireworks show. The twist is that you hold your cards facing away from you, so everyone else can see your hand, but you can't.
Players give each other limited hints about colors or numbers so teammates can play cards in order. Mistakes cost the team. The goal is the best possible fireworks display. It's quick and works best with friends who enjoy thinking together.
May not be for you if…
- The information restriction can frustrate casual players
- Quarterbacking is impossible by design — some find this limiting
- Luck of card draws matters
- Can feel like work rather than fun for some groups
Best for
Cooperative fanspuzzle loverstravel gaming
Awards
- 2013Spiel des JahresSpiel des Jahres
Appears in
Where to buy
- AmazonCheck price →
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Common questions
How long does Hanabi take?
About 25 minutes once everyone knows the rules.
How many people can play Hanabi?
It plays 2 to 5 players.
What age is Hanabi for?
The publisher recommends ages 8 and up.
If you like Hanabi, try
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Exceptional consensus · 5 organizations
The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine
Best for: Trick-taking fans, cooperative gamers, travel gaming
As d'OrATTAKennerspiel des Jahres
2–520mMedium
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Highly awarded
Just One
Best for: Party groups, families, holiday gatherings, non-gamers
Spiel des JahresDice Tower
3–720mLight
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Highly awarded
Bomb Busters
Best for: Families, cooperative fans, deduction lovers, mixed ages
Spiel des JahresSwiss Gamers AwardDice Tower
2–530mLight
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