WabiSaby
Lite Rule
Simple rules that even first-time players can enjoy right away.
A single game takes about 10 minutes!
Standard rules can be found here：Instruction Manual (PDF)
1. Game Objective
The person who gets the highest or lowest total score wins!
- By exchanging the 6 number cards dealt to you with other players, you aim to make your total sum "higher" or "lower."
- The goal of the game is to earn as many points as possible according to the scoring table based on your total sum.
- These are the basic rules... however, 4 "Twist Rules" have been added.
2. Setup
Prepare a set of number cards numbered 1-6 for each player and shuffle them.
- Prepare sets of 1–6 number cards for the number of players (e.g., 24 cards for 4 players).
- [Twist 1] Replace one number card with a "WabiSaby Card" (which has the back design on both sides) and hide it within the deck.
- Shuffle the number cards and deal 6 cards to each player.
Further Details:
- Place the single number card that was replaced by the WabiSaby card face-down on the table (this card will not be used during the game).
- Place a die in the center of the play area where it is visible to all players.
Distribute the color chips and color cards.
- Each player receives one Color Chip of their choice.
- Collect the cards of the same color as the chosen chips, shuffle them, and deal one to each player. Players keep these face-down and look only at their own card.
- [Twist 2] Your final score will be determined by 6 cards in total: 3 of your own cards, plus the 3 cards chosen by your "Target Player" (the player who holds the chip matching your color card).
- In a sense, this is an "invisible partner" cooperative game.
Further Details:
- If the color card you drew matches your own color chip, all 6 of your own number cards will be subject to scoring.
Turn over 3 cards from your hand.
- After checking your 6 cards, hold them in a fan shape and flip 3 of them so that the numbers are visible to your opponents.
- Preparation is now complete!
Further Details:
- Since the WabiSaby card does not reveal a number even when flipped, you must flip 3 of your other number cards.
3. How to Play
Replace the card without changing its orientation.
- Play proceeds clockwise, starting with the winner of a Rock-Paper-Scissors match.
- Exchange one card with any other player of your choice, but remember...
- [Twist 3] When exchanging cards, you must do so "exactly as they are" without flipping them over.
Further Details:
- The exchange order is: first give a card to your opponent, then receive a card from them to add to your hand.
- You must not flip the card you receive or peek at its back.
- You can exchange cards with any player other than yourself.
After the third round, appraisal will be performed.
- Once everyone has finished 3 rounds of clockwise card exchanges, everyone performs a "Mekiki" (appraisal) simultaneously.
- "Mekiki" is the action of secretly peeking at the back side of the cards you are currently holding.
- Since this is the only moment you can see the back of your cards, memorize them again and rethink your strategy for the remaining 3 rounds.
- Repeat the exchange process for another 3 rounds. The game ends after a total of 6 rounds.
Further Details:
- During Mekiki, you can only peek at the backs of your own cards.
- You cannot change the front/back orientation of the cards; you may only take a quick glance at the back.
- It is helpful to use the die in the center of the table to keep track of the current round number.
4. Ending the Game
Choose three cards to play with.
- Choose three cards to play with.
- Choose 3 cards from these 6 to use for the showdown and reveal them all at once.
- Reveal the Color Cards simultaneously to confirm who was whose target.
- [Twist 4] Your total score is the sum of "Your 3 showdown cards" + "The 3 showdown cards of your Target Player".
- Check the scoring table for the appropriate number of players and earn points based on your total sum.
- For each "WabiSaby Card" held, +1 point is added to both the holder and the player targeting them.
Further Details:
- Players whose color chip and color card are the same will use all 6 of their own cards as showdown cards.
- It is also fun to play multiple rounds and compete for the highest total points.
- However, be warned: if your total sum is exactly "21" all points you have earned up to that point will be forfeited, and your score will return to 0 points...
