Sakura

About this board game

Sakura is a card game for 2–6 players, played in about 45 minutes, in which everyone aims to play cards without taking any hands.

Every spring, cherry trees blossom across Japan. The Japanese celebrate this event because, according to tradition, Konohana Sakuya Hima, the goddess of Mount Fuji, revives the fallen flowers. The cherry flower, or sakura, represents vitality.

During the game, players play two cards at a time, placing one on each side of the central Jin-Jang card. By default, the card played on the Jin side must have a higher number, while the card on the Jang side must have a lower number, and both must be in the same color. Alternatively, a player may place the same number in any color.

• Play two cards on each turn, one on either side of the Jin-Jang card.
• Follow the default higher-and-lower number rules in the same color, or use the alternative same-number placement.
• Pay money to receive help from several characters.
• Try to avoid taking hands and finish with the fewest points.

The characters can aid players in their efforts, but their assistance requires payment. Careful card play and the right use of this help are central to pursuing a low score.

The game ends when every player has only two cards remaining in hand. The player who earns the fewest points wins the favor of the goddess, with glory lasting until the following spring.

Released in 2017, Sakura was later replaced by the Sakura Extra Box, which contains the previous Kickstarter extras; these extras are not exclusive.