En Garde!

About this board game

En Garde! is a fencing duel game for 2–6 players, with matches taking about 45 minutes. Players face off in dramatic contests where poise, attacks, defenses, weapons, and items can all affect the outcome.

Each character has poise points, which represent how good-looking and composed they appear. As attacks wear a character down, losing all poise leaves them a staggering mess. At that point, an opponent may be able to finish the match with a sword for the final blow.

Poise is not necessarily gone for good. Players can regain poise by taking actions that improve their appearance, such as wiping their brow or tucking in their shirt. These moments of recovery are part of the contest, giving players a way to restore their standing before the duel continues.

Cards add variety to both offense and defense. Players can enhance their attacks or respond to an opponent with defensive moves, including parrying or strong-arming through a defense. Weapons and other items can also be played to affect the game in different ways.

• Fencing matches for 2–6 players
• Poise points that track a character’s appearance and condition
• Attack and defense cards, including parries and strong-arm plays
• Weapons and items with different effects

With its swordplay theme and focus on poise, En Garde! presents a re-themed version of the company’s Kung Fu Fighting. The result is a card-driven contest built around looking composed, weathering attacks, and finding the opportunity for a decisive final blow.