Chu Han
Chu Han is a two-player card game of dynastic intrigue set in ancient China before and during the Chu-Han Contention, 206-202 BCE.
Two clans, the Han and Chu, vie to supplant the weak Qin ruler and forge China's first true dynasty. Historically, the Chu began in a stronger position, but the Han managed to defeat them.
Chu Han is a trick-taking, climbing, and shedding game consisting of multiple hands. Players begin each hand with a mixture of Chu and Han cards, representing strains within clans, hostage taking, and shifting allegiances. Optional Events and two historical campaigns provide additional variety.
Can you outmaneuver your rival to found a new dynasty?
Number of players: 2
Game duration: 31 mn
Complexity: 2 / 5
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Play Chu Han and 1250 other games online.
No download necessary - play directly from your web browser.
With your friends and thousands of players from the whole world.
Free.
Rules summary
Chu Han
Chu Han is a tactical card game for 2 players (Han vs. Chu), simulating the historical conflict to claim the empire through card combinations and legendary characters.
Game Objective
Be the first to reach 31 or more Victory Points (VP). Points are awarded at the end of each round based on remaining hand cards.
Game Setup
- One player represents the Han (Blue), the other the Chu (Red).
- The deck consists of Troop cards (Values 1–9) in various colors and special Character cards.
- Each player starts with a hand of 15 cards.
Gameplay
The game is played over several tricks:
1. The player on lead, in either order:
- may play 1 LEAD power, and/or
- may take a writ and draw 2 cards.
2. The lead player must play a set of 1+ cards, all the same rank.
3. The other player is then on response. They:
- may take a writ and draw 2 cards, and then
- must either play a higher rank set or pass.
A set played on response must be the same number of cards as the set led (and of higher rank than the last set played). Continue step 3 until a player passes, yielding the lead. Then, discard all cards played.
Key Categories & Symbols
- Troops (1-9): The foundation for all combinations.
- Characters: Unique cards with powerful effects that can shift the momentum.
End of Round & Scoring
A round ends when one player plays all their hand cards.
- The winner scores points both for cards remaining in their rival’s hand and for any writs that their rival took.
- If a player reaches the 31-point threshold, the game ends immediately.
Strategic Considerations
- Timing: When is the best moment to play powerful characters to force the opponent to pass?
- Hand Management: Should I hold low cards for sequences or use them for quick tactical actions?