The best games where you can draft cards 🃏 2024

Looking for a really good card drafting game 🃏? Then we have just the thing for you: the list of the best card drafting games 2024.

What are card drafting games?

Card drafting games are games in which players can select cards (or other game objects) from a limited subset, such as a common pool. The goal is to gain an advantage (immediate or long term) or to assemble hands of cards to achieve certain goals within the game. Saint Petersburg is a well-known card-selecting game.

Card drafting ist sometimes called "card selecting".

Differentiation from normal, simple card-drawing games

Games where cards are simply drawn from a deck are not card drafting. Drafting/Selecting implies that players have some choice and opportunity to draw a card that another player might want. This allows the other players to miss out on something they may have wanted. For example, in Ticket to Ride, players can choose to draw cards from the face-up display. Although most cards in Ticket to Ride are drawn randomly from the deck, it is also a card drafting game.

Card drafting does not only apply to cards

The term "card drafting" can be applied to games in which players draw tokens or other similar items instead of cards. The term "cards" here represents a collection of game objects.

List of the best card drafting games 2024 🃏

This list was last updated on November 4, 2024. We compared 3698 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Monikers

    All details for the board game Monikers and similar games

    Monikers is a lively and entertaining party game inspired by the classic public domain game Celebrities. It is designed for players who enjoy guessing games and offers a fun challenge through a series of rounds where the methods of clue-giving evolve and become more restrictive.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Monikers
    • 4 - 16 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Monikers

    • YouTube Review for the game "Monikers" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. 7 Wonders Duel

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders Duel and similar games

    7 Wonders Duel takes the essence of the classic 7 Wonders and refines it for an intense two-player experience. It retains the thematic elements of building a civilization through acquiring various types of cards, but it introduces unique mechanics suited for a duel.

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 9.

    More details for 7 Wonders Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for 7 Wonders Duel

    • YouTube Review for the game "7 Wonders Duel" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  3. Sushi Go Party!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go Party! and similar games

    Sushi Go Party! is an expanded version of the popular card game Sushi Go!, offering more variety and accommodating more players for a larger, more dynamic game experience.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go Party!
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Jaipur

    All details for the board game Jaipur and similar games

    In the bustling city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, you find yourself in a fierce competition as one of the two most powerful traders. However, being a prominent trader isn't enough; the ultimate goal is to earn two coveted "seals of excellence" to secure an invitation to the Maharaja's prestigious court. To outshine your direct competitor, you'll need to demonstrate superior trading skills by buying, exchanging, and selling goods at advantageous prices, all while carefully managing your valuable camel herds.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 4.

    More details for Jaipur
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Sea Salt & Paper

    All details for the board game Sea Salt & Paper and similar games

    Sea Salt & Paper is a set collection card game that combines strategic decision-making with the excitement of timing your moves just right. Similar to Rummy in gameplay, it involves collecting sets of cards to score points, while also navigating the timing of when to end the round for optimal advantage.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Sea Salt & Paper
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. Splendor Duel

    All details for the board game Splendor Duel and similar games

    Splendor Duel is an intriguing two-player game that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, Splendor, enhancing it with new layers of strategy and competitiveness. Designed specifically for two players, this standalone game maintains the core elements of Splendor while introducing novel twists and mechanics, making it more dynamic and interactive.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Splendor Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Point Salad

    All details for the board game Point Salad and similar games

    Point Salad is a dynamic and engaging card drafting game that is suitable for players of all ages. It stands out for its simplicity and the vast array of scoring strategies it offers.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 3.

    More details for Point Salad
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Point Salad

    • YouTube Review for the game "Point Salad" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Point Salad" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Century: Golem Edition

    All details for the board game Century: Golem Edition and similar games

    Century: Golem Edition is an engaging and visually appealing board game that is a re-themed version of Century: Spice Road. Set in the imaginative world of Caravania, this game combines strategic planning and resource management, appealing to players who enjoy tactical decision-making.

    More details for Century: Golem Edition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Star Realms: Frontiers

    All details for the board game Star Realms: Frontiers and similar games

    Star Realms: Frontiers is a dynamic standalone game within the Star Realms series, offering fast-paced space combat with deckbuilding elements. Designed for 1-4 players, it can be enjoyed on its own or integrated with other Star Realms sets for expanded play.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Star Realms: Frontiers
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Ohanami

    All details for the board game Ohanami and similar games

    Ohanami is a serene and strategic card drafting game that seamlessly blends simplicity with deep strategic choices. Over three rounds, players cultivate their gardens by selecting cards and building sequences in a quest for the most points.

    More details for Ohanami
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  11. Star Realms: Colony Wars

    All details for the board game Star Realms: Colony Wars and similar games

    Colony Wars is an engaging standalone deckbuilding game in the Star Realms series, offering both an individual gaming experience for two players and an expansion to the original Star Realms for up to four players.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Star Realms: Colony Wars
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Wingspan

    All details for the board game Wingspan and similar games

    Wingspan is a captivating, competitive board game from Stonemaier Games, masterfully designed by Elizabeth Hargrave. It's a medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building game that stands out with its unique theme and stunning artwork, featuring over 170 bird illustrations by artists Beth Sobel, Natalia Rojas, and Ana Maria Martinez.

    Nominated for 26 awards and won 16.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Wingspan
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 40 - 70 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Wingspan

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wingspan" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  13. Sushi Go!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go! and similar games

    Sushi Go! is a dynamic, fast-paced card game set in a sushi restaurant. Players aim to grab the best sushi combinations as they come around. It's all about strategy, from picking the perfect sushi rolls to collecting sashimi sets. Boost your scores with wasabi-flavored nigiri, and don't forget to load up on pudding by the end!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go!
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game

    All details for the board game Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game and similar games

    Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game brings the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance to your tabletop. This two-player game captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, offering a dynamic and strategic experience where players build their decks and battle to destroy each other's bases.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Star Realms

    All details for the board game Star Realms and similar games

    Star Realms is a fast-paced, deck-building card game set in the vastness of space. Designed by renowned game creators, it combines the excitement of deck-building with the strategic depth of combat trading card games.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Star Realms
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Splendor

    All details for the board game Splendor and similar games

    Splendor beckons you into the vibrant world of Renaissance merchants, where the pursuit of gem mines, modes of transportation, and opulent shops is the path to acquiring prestigious points. In this strategic game of chip-collecting and card development, your goal is to amass wealth and influence that will make you the most renowned merchant of the era. Perhaps, if fortune smiles upon you, nobility may even grace your endeavors, further enhancing your prestige.

    Nominated for 21 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2014

    More details for Splendor
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Splendor

    • YouTube Review for the game "Splendor" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. Fantasy Realms

    All details for the board game Fantasy Realms and similar games

    Fantasy Realms immerses players in the role of rulers striving to build the most powerful realm. This card game is all about strategic combinations and choices, with every decision shaping the strength and nature of your realm.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Fantasy Realms
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Cahoots

    All details for the board game Cahoots and similar games

    Cahoots is a cooperative card game where players work together to meet a series of challenging goals. Each player must strategically contribute to four communal piles by matching either the color or the number of the cards. Communication about the contents of one's hand is not allowed, adding a layer of challenge as players must intuitively cooperate to meet the objectives.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Cahoots
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Cahoots

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cahoots" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. Coloretto

    All details for the board game Coloretto and similar games

    Engage in the colorful and strategic gameplay of Coloretto, where simplicity meets tactical decision-making. The game revolves around drawing cards to play into rows or claiming entire rows to expand your collection. As the rounds progress, players aim to create extensive sets, but there's a catch – exceeding three colors incurs penalties, adding a layer of strategic depth.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Coloretto
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Archaeology: The New Expedition

    All details for the board game Archaeology: The New Expedition and similar games

    Archaeology: The New Expedition revitalizes the classic thrill of discovery with a fresh twist on the original Archaeology: The Card Game. As an intrepid archaeologist in the Egyptian desert, your quest is to unearth fragments of ancient artifacts and assemble complete treasures, from torn parchments to shattered pots. Brave the risks of sandstorms and thieves to excavate valuable relics, then astutely trade your finds at the marketplace or exhibit them at the museum for profit.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Archaeology: The New Expedition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. Faraway

    All details for the board game Faraway and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Faraway
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. 7 Wonders

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders and similar games

    In 7 Wonders, you step into the role of a leader of one of the seven great cities of the Ancient World. Your objective is to gather resources, establish commercial routes, and assert your military might. The game is not just about managing resources but also about building an architectural wonder that will stand the test of time.

    Nominated for 33 awards and won 19.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2011

    More details for 7 Wonders
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Century: Spice Road

    All details for the board game Century: Spice Road and similar games

    Century: Spice Road is the first game in a series that delves into the rich and vibrant history of spice trading. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Silk Road, players take on the roles of caravan leaders, journeying across continents to trade spices and achieve fame and glory. This game combines elements of strategy and resource management, making it an engaging experience for players who enjoy economic and trading games.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Century: Spice Road
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Century: Spice Road

    • YouTube Review for the game "Century: Spice Road" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  24. Splendor: Marvel

    All details for the board game Splendor: Marvel and similar games

    Splendor: Marvel transforms the classic Splendor game with a Marvel Universe twist. Players race to stop Thanos by assembling a team of heroes and villains, using Infinity Stones to recruit characters and earn Infinity Points.

    More details for Splendor: Marvel
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Biblios

    All details for the board game Biblios and similar games

    Biblios is a strategic and competitive board game that immerses players in the role of abbots at a medieval monastery. The primary goal is to build the most impressive library of sacred texts, balancing resource management, strategic planning, and a bit of luck.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Biblios
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  26. Meadow

    All details for the board game Meadow and similar games

    Meadow is a beautifully illustrated set collection game where players become explorers, immersing themselves in nature observation. The game, suitable for 1-4 players, features over two hundred unique cards adorned with hand-painted watercolor illustrations. Players compete to become the most skilled nature observer by collecting valuable species, landscapes, and discovery cards.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for Meadow
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. Canvas

    All details for the board game Canvas and similar games

    Canvas is a creative and visually-driven board game where players take on the roles of painters competing in an art competition. The game combines elements of strategy and puzzle-solving, focused on creating and scoring paintings.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 2.

    More details for Canvas
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. 7 Wonders (Second Edition)

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders (Second Edition) and similar games

    7 Wonders (Second Edition) is an acclaimed board game known for its widespread recognition and numerous international awards. This new version rejuvenates the classic 7 Wonders game, maintaining its status as a cornerstone in the world of modern board gaming. The game is celebrated for its elegant drafting mechanics, allowing up to 7 players to participate simultaneously without downtime.

    More details for 7 Wonders (Second Edition)
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Port Royal

    All details for the board game Port Royal and similar games

    Port Royal is a competitive card game that immerses players in the world of Caribbean trade during the era of pirates and merchant ships. It combines elements of risk-taking, resource management, and strategic planning.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Port Royal
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 50 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Port Royal

    • YouTube Review for the game "Port Royal" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  30. Forest Shuffle

    All details for the board game Forest Shuffle and similar games

    Forest Shuffle is a strategic and environmentally themed card game where players vie to create the most ecologically rich and balanced forest habitat. By gathering valuable trees and attracting diverse species, players work towards building a vibrant ecosystem, all while keeping an eye on the changing seasons that signal the game's end.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for Forest Shuffle
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 40 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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