Ku-Ka-König

About this board game

Ku-Ka-König is a fast card game for 2–4 players that takes about 20 minutes to play. Choose columns simultaneously, collect valuable cards, and finish with the highest combined score.

To begin, shuffle the 112-card deck and lay out three cards in each of 6–8 numbered columns, depending on the number of players. Everyone secretly decides which column they want, then reveals their choice at the same time. If a column is claimed by only one player, that player takes its cards into their collection.

Competition becomes more difficult when multiple players choose the same column. The final card in that column is discarded, and all tied players immediately choose a column number again. This continues until every player has successfully taken cards. Refill the columns to three cards each and begin another round.

Collections are scored when a player has at least 13 cards at the end of a round, with ties being friendly. Different card types reward different collection goals:

• Kings: Score according to how many you have, using the formula (n-1)².
• Knights: Score 1 point each, or 2 points each for the player with the most.
• Churches: Give 10 points to whoever has collected the most.

Some cards display an X and are discarded after the first scoring. Players then continue playing rounds until the deck runs out, followed by one final scoring of their collections. In Ku-Ka-König, careful column selection and well-timed claims can turn a small collection into the winning score.