Ohanami

What to Expect

In Ohanami, players build up to three rows of cards ordered by number values. Over three rounds, players pick cards from their hand, pass the rest, and decide which cards to play or discard. Cards must be placed higher or lower than existing ones in a row. Different colored cards score points at the end of each round and the game, with blue, green, gray, and pink cherry blossom cards providing various scoring opportunities.

Who Is This Game For?

Ohanami is aimed at families and casual gamers aged 8 and up who enjoy light but tactical card games. With about 20 minutes playtime, it offers quick sessions. It is an accessible game for beginners and casual players but does not support solo play, designed for 2 to 4 players.

How It Works

The core mechanic is Closed Drafting, where players select cards and pass the remaining hand. Using Ordering, cards are placed in rows that must be extended either above or below existing cards. Set Collection rewards players for collecting cards of specific colors. Passing direction alternates each round, and players build their rows and score points based on card colors at round and game end.

What Makes It Special

Designed by Steffen Benndorf and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag in 2019, Ohanami received a Mensa recommendation in 2022. It combines a simple drafting mechanism with classic card layout in a Japanese garden theme and is part of the NSV Middys series.

Awards

• 2022 Mensa — Recommended

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game is themed around Japanese gardens and cherry blossom viewing (Ohanami). Its cards and symbols evoke the atmosphere of nature and seasonal change.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Use the drafting phase to plan your rows and focus on collecting color sets for endgame points.

Häufige Fragen

Fazit

Ohanami is recommended for families and casual players seeking a quick, accessible drafting and set collection game. It is not suitable for solo play but works well as a short expert-lite experience.