Mantis

About this board game

Mantis is a card game for 2-6 players that takes about 10 minutes to play. Its simple objective is clear: steal or score your way to victory by collecting matching cards until one player has 10 cards in their score pile.

Every turn brings a choice between the game’s two central possibilities. You can steal matching cards from another player, or score cards into your own pile. The goal is to build your score through these matching-card actions while moving closer to the 10-card finish line.

• Two rules: Steal or Score.
• Matching cards: Collect them through stealing or scoring.
• Quick play: Games take about 10 minutes.
• Flexible player count: Supports 2-6 players.

Mantis is designed to be accessible to both kids and adults. It combines the simplicity of UNO with the depth of Gin Rummy, offering straightforward rules alongside more considered card-play decisions.

The game also comes with a playful warning for adults: children will often beat them. That makes Mantis a lively choice for groups looking for a short card game where everyone can understand the basic rules quickly and compete for the same clear target.

Released in 2022, Mantis keeps its focus on a compact set of actions and a direct victory condition. Collect matching cards, decide whether to steal or score, and race to be the first player with 10 cards in your score pile.