Via Gladiola
Via Gladiola at your next game night?
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- Designer Jeroen Geenen , Michiel de Wit
- Publisher Gam'inBIZ
- Illustration Elise van Houten , René Leisink
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
Over four rounds (one per day) you advance along a march from kilometer 0 to 50 by playing higher cards or choose to stand still and draw penalty cards. You can advance safely up to 5 km; bigger jumps incur penalties or are forbidden. On day 4 gladiola cards let you stand still without drawing a penalty. After four days, the player with the fewest blister icons wins.
Who Is This Game For?
For players aged 8+, Via Gladiola is a short family-friendly card game for 2–5 players with about 15 minutes playtime. It fits groups that want quick decision-driven rounds with accessible mechanics but also appeals to players who enjoy Push Your Luck choices.
How It Works
Each turn you either 'walk' by playing a higher card on the pile or 'stand still' and draw a penalty card. The game relies on Hand Management and Ladder Climbing: safe advances up to 5 km, riskier 6–10 km and 11–15 km ranges bring penalties, and further moves are not allowed. On day four, gladiola cards can be played to avoid drawing a penalty when standing still. After four rounds, blister icons are tallied to determine the winner.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jeroen Geenen and Michiel de Wit, Via Gladiola blends Ladder Climbing and Push Your Luck into very short games (~15 minutes). The theme references the Nijmegen Four Days Marches and the game is available digitally on Board Game Arena and Yucata.
Pro
- Very short playtime (~15 minutes)
- Easy to teach with clear hand-management choices
- Push Your Luck creates tense risk-reward moments
- Digital availability on Board Game Arena and Yucata
Contra
- Limited depth for players seeking complex systems
- May offer less long-term variety due to short rounds
Setting & atmosphere
The game is themed around the Nijmegen Four Days Marches (Travel/Number categories). Players simulate four days of marching from kilometer 0 to 50 while avoiding blisters.
Tips for beginners
Manage your hand and prefer safe 5‑km advances early; save gladiola cards on day four to avoid penalty draws.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The game is designed for 2–5 players (players.min = 2).
How long does a game really take?
Duration is about 15 minutes; setup and explanation keep it a short game.
What prior experience do I need?
Little experience is required; suitable for families and casual players aged 8 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
Via Gladiola pairs Ladder Climbing with Push Your Luck in very short card-driven rounds, emphasizing hand management decisions.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. Minimum age 8 and short playtime make it family-friendly.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Hand Management, Ladder Climbing and Push Your Luck defines the game.
Fazit
A compact, decision-focused card game for quick sessions and 2–5 players; great when you want short, tactical Push Your Luck gameplay.
Via Gladiola at your next game night?
Add Via Gladiola to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Via Gladiola to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
