Kendo Playing Cards (2021)

A light strategy card game based on kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, descended from the ancient samurai warriors. An entertaining card game with real-time elements, Kendo playing cards are designed for 2 players. It mixes bluffing and deduction with strategic thinking to create a funny and exciting gaming experience. The game simulates a modern kendo competition between two fighters whose goal is to defeat their opponent using familiar elements of kendo. Players score points by performing striking combinations against their opponents and can keep or earn their focus points for executing these combinations at the optimal moment of attack and defense. Each player has a pre-set number of playing cards and each draw will allow him to change their technical „inventory” through optimal hand management. Every decision must be carefully analyzed because one little mistake can cost you the battle. The game uses a small amount of kendo-specific terms in order to be easily understandable and enjoyable even for those, who do not practice the art. During the game, you can get a little insight into the wonderful world of kendo, the Japanese Way of the Sword, which is worth giving a try in a real dojo, aka training hall as well. -description from designer