Water Lily

About this board game

Water Lily is a suspenseful short race game for 2–4 players, playable in about 20 minutes. Designed by Dominique Ehrhard and released in 2010, it blends bluff, tactical moves, and some luck.

Princess Water Lily and her sisters are soon to be wed, and frogs from across the Kingdom have gathered for the Royal Race. The winners will marry the princesses and become Princes, turning a simple contest into a race for a royal reward.

Timing is at the heart of the game. Hopping forward too quickly may leave you with only a few points, while arriving too late earns no points at all. Players must judge when to advance and how boldly to pursue the finish.

That tension gives Water Lily its distinctive character. The race combines the uncertainty of luck with tactical decisions and bluffing, creating suspense as the frogs compete to reach the right moment.

With its short playing time and accessible racing theme, Water Lily offers a focused contest for small groups. Every move contributes to the pressure of the Royal Race, where being first is not the only concern: choosing the right pace is essential.

Created by acclaimed designer Dominique Ehrhard, known for games including Marrakech, MacGregor, Crazy Circus, Serenissima, and Condottiere, Water Lily presents a compact race filled with anticipation. Gather the frogs, assess the risks, and aim to cross the royal finish at precisely the right time.