dnup
dnup at your next game night?
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- Designer Kei Kajino (梶野 桂)
- Publisher asmodee , Gémklub , Korea Boardgames , One More Game! , Rebel Sp. z o.o.
- Illustration Gilles-Romain Fonteny , Shohei Asaoka (浅岡昇平)
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In dnup you try to empty your hand by playing, adding to, or taking cards from players' piles, and by rotating cards in your hand. Typical moments include overplays that force opponents to revolve and take cards back, and short rounds where the first two players to empty their hands score points. Play repeats until a player reaches at least 4 points.
Who Is This Game For?
dnup is aimed at players who enjoy short, tactical card games. It supports 2–5 players, is suitable from age 8, and its ~20-minute playtime makes it ideal for quick sessions or multiple rounds in one evening. Some familiarity with hand-management card games is helpful but not required.
How It Works
The core loop is emptying your hand through playing cards, adding one card to others, picking up piles, or rotating your hand. The game uses Hand Management and Ladder Climbing: you can play sets of equal value, but overplaying forces opponents to revolve and return cards to hand. Points are awarded to the first (2 points) and second (1 point) players who empty their hands; several rounds determine the winner.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Kei Kajino (梶野 桂), dnup is categorized as a shedding/stops card game with a Ladder-Climbing element. Its short duration (about 20 minutes) and direct player interaction through overplays distinguish its pace. A digital implementation on Board Game Arena is listed in the game's family tags.
Pro
- Short playtime (~20 minutes) — good for multiple quick rounds
- High player interaction through overplay and pickup rules
- Simple core mechanics (Hand Management) — easy to pick up
- Listed digital implementation (Board Game Arena) in families
Contra
- Too brief for players seeking long, strategic sessions
- Interaction can feel punitive when cards are forced back to hand
- Abstract presentation with little thematic depth in the data
Setting & atmosphere
No thematic setting is specified in the provided data; the design focuses on abstract card interaction and mechanical decisions rather than narrative elements.
Tips for beginners
Learn the revolve and overplay interactions first; rounds are short so getting the timing right matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The data lists the player count as 2–5, so no solo mode is indicated.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 20 minutes; playing until someone reaches 4 points will require multiple rounds.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic experience with card games and hand management helps; the game is rated for ages 8 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
dnup pairs shedding/stops mechanics with Ladder Climbing and immediate overplay interactions, increasing direct confrontation compared to lighter shedding games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. With a minimum age of 8 and short rounds, it is family-friendly according to the provided data.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Hand Management and Ladder Climbing with revolve/overplay effects forms the game's distinctive mechanic.
Fazit
dnup is a compact, interaction-heavy card game suited for groups that enjoy quick, repeatable rounds. Recommended if you like hand-management and highly interactive shedding games.
dnup at your next game night?
Add dnup to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add dnup to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
