SUMO

About this board game

SUMO is a two-player card game that takes about five minutes, challenging opponents to push one another from a three-position sumo ring.

Each player sits on one side of the ring and receives eight cards from a 20-card deck. The sumo wrestlers card begins in the center, with the left, center, and right positions defining the entire arena. Before the first trick, both players reveal a card; the higher card plays first, while tied cards are revealed again until one player wins or all eight cards have been shown.

On each trick, the leading player plays a card, and the opponent must follow suit whenever possible. If the opponent plays off-suit, the leader wins; otherwise, the higher card takes the trick. The winner then pushes the sumo wrestlers card one position away from themselves and leads the next trick.

Every card play can change the wrestlers’ position and create opportunities for a sudden victory. Three named sumo moves can end the game before the final trick:

• Abise-taoshi: play a 4 of the same color after a lead 1.
• Hikiotoshi: play a 1 of the same color after a lead 5.
• Wucchari: play an off-color 2 when the wrestlers are on the edge nearest you.

If the wrestlers are pushed out of the ring, the player who made the push wins immediately. If neither player achieves that, the winner of the final trick wins. With its compact deck, simple ring, and sharp tactical timing, SUMO turns every trick into a contest of momentum and positioning.