Archduke

About this board game

Archduke is a face-down card game for 2–6 players that plays in about 25 minutes. Build the lowest-scoring hand by remembering key cards, exchanging unwanted values, and using timely abilities.

Each player begins with four cards placed face down. Some card values are known and some are not, creating a constant challenge of memory and judgment. Values range from -3 to 13, so finding and keeping low cards is essential.

Before play begins, each player may look at any two of their own cards once, then return them to the same positions. Remembering both the value and location of these cards gives you information to work with as the rounds develop.

On a turn, draw one card and decide what to do with it. You can keep it, exchange it for one of your own face-down cards, or discard it immediately. Discarding a card may trigger a special ability that lets you peek at, swap, or give additional face-down cards to other players.

• Manage a changing set of face-down cards.
• Use memory to make informed swaps and decisions.
• Take advantage of abilities that affect your cards or other players’ cards.
• Call Archduke when you believe your hand has the lowest value.

When a player calls Archduke, the round ends and everyone scores the cards in front of them. The lowest sum wins the round, while play continues over successive rounds toward an agreed score mark. At the end, the player with the lowest score wins.

With its simple turn choices and concealed information, Archduke rewards careful observation, calculated risk, and knowing when to stop improving your hand.