Flash Duel

About this board game

Flash Duel is a fast card game for two players that simulates a fantasy duel and plays in about five minutes. Choose from 10 included characters, each with three special abilities, then face off in a best-three-out-of-five match where a single hit wins a round.

The duel unfolds along an 18-space linear track. Players draw from a shared deck of 25 numbered cards, with five copies each of numbers 1 through 5. These cards provide the tools for movement, attacks, dashing strikes, blocking, and pushing your opponent.

Each character’s special ability cards add a new dimension to the core system. With 10 characters to choose from, Flash Duel offers 45 different character matchups, giving each pairing its own distinctive possibilities while keeping the action quick and focused.

• For 2 players
• Games take approximately 5 minutes
• 18-space linear duel track
• 25-card common deck using numbers 1 through 5
• 10 characters, each with three special abilities
• Best three out of five rounds

Designed and balanced by David Sirlin, Flash Duel was inspired by Reiner Knizia’s En Garde. Its compact format and clear win condition make every card choice matter as players try to create an opening, defend against attacks, and land the decisive blow.

Originally released in 2010, the game later received a follow-up in Flash Duel: Second Edition. That edition adds 10 new characters, slight balance changes to the original characters, support for up to five players, and new gameplay modes.