The best "À la carte🇩🇪" award card games 2024

The "À-la-Carte" award🇩🇪 is awarded by the German magazine Fairplay to the best card game of the year. A 35-member jury decides on the winners from among all the card games published in the current year. The prize will be awarded in October at the international game fair in Essen.

À la carte is the only game award that focuses entirely on card games🃏.

For more information, visit the official website of the À la carte award.

All "À-la-Carte" years listed individually

The À-la-Carte has been awarded since 1991. We have therefore created separate lists for all years:

List with the best À-la-Carte🇩🇪 winners and nominees:

Attached is our list of the best "Card Game of the Year" games to buy 2024:

This list was last updated on April 18, 2024. We compared 301 board games for this list and selected the top 35. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Just One

    All details for the board game Just One and similar games

    Just One is a cooperative party game that combines elements of mystery and creativity. Players work together to guess as many words as possible, using unique clues provided by their teammates.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Just One
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Just One

    • YouTube Review for the game "Just One" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. SCOUT

    All details for the board game SCOUT and similar games

    SCOUT is an innovative card game that blends elements of hand management and ladder-climbing mechanics. The unique twist in this game is the dual-indexed cards and the restriction on rearranging your hand, creating a challenging and strategic gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for SCOUT
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. Codenames

    All details for the board game Codenames and similar games

    Codenames is a captivating and popular party game that involves clever wordplay and deduction. Two teams compete, each led by a spymaster who knows the secret identities of 25 agents, represented by cards bearing single-word codenames like "disease," "Germany," or even "carrot." The objective is for each team to be the first to correctly identify all their agents based on clues given by their spymaster, while avoiding the dangerous assassin.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 15.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2016

    More details for Codenames
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea

    All details for the board game The Crew: Mission Deep Sea and similar games

    The Crew: Mission Deep Sea is a cooperative trick-taking card game that embarks players on an underwater expedition to discover the lost continent of Mu. Building on the foundations of its predecessor, The Crew, this game combines the familiar mechanics of trick-taking with unique cooperative elements and a compelling thematic narrative.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Love Letter

    All details for the board game Love Letter and similar games

    In Love Letter, you must compete with other suitors to deliver a romantic letter to Princess Annette, who has secluded herself in the palace.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 7.

    More details for Love Letter
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Love Letter

    • YouTube Review for the game "Love Letter" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  8. The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

    All details for the board game The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine and similar games

    The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine is a cooperative trick-taking game that takes players on an adventurous space journey, filled with challenges and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 26 awards and won 13.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. 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
  10. No Thanks!

    All details for the board game No Thanks! and similar games

    No Thanks! is a straightforward and captivating card game that offers a blend of strategy and luck. The game's simplicity makes it appealing and accessible to a wide range of players.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    More details for No Thanks!
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  11. 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 7 awards and won 2.

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

    All details for the board game Hanamikoji and similar games

    Hanamikoji is a strategic card game set in the historical context of Geisha culture in Japan. The game immerses players in the role of patrons who are competing to gain the favor of seven renowned Geishas by collecting items related to their art and performances.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Hanamikoji
    • 2 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Hanamikoji

    • YouTube Review for the game "Hanamikoji" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Hanamikoji" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. Lost Cities

    All details for the board game Lost Cities and similar games

    Lost Cities is a two-player card game focused on building profitable archaeological expeditions. Part of the Kosmos two-player series, it features a deck with cards ranked 2–10 in various colors, including a new sixth color added in 2019. The game also employs "handshake" cards as multipliers for scoring.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Lost Cities
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. Skull King

    All details for the board game Skull King and similar games

    Skull King is an exciting and competitive trick-taking game that adds unique twists to the traditional format found in games like Oh Hell!, Wizard, Euchre, and Spades.

    More details for Skull King
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Skull King

    • YouTube Review for the game "Skull King" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Skull King" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. 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 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Take 5

    All details for the board game Take 5 and similar games

    6 nimmt!, also known as Take 5, Category 5 and other names, is a card game focused on scoring as few points as possible. It combines elements of strategy, prediction, and a bit of luck.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 3.

    More details for Take 5
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Hero Realms

    All details for the board game Hero Realms and similar games

    Hero Realms is a captivating, fantasy-themed deck-building game that builds on the mechanics of the highly acclaimed Star Realms. It offers a versatile gaming experience suitable for different player formats and styles.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    More details for Hero Realms
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Cahoots

    All details for the board game Cahoots and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    🔥 Deal: 16% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    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. 5-Minute Dungeon

    All details for the board game 5-Minute Dungeon and similar games

    5-Minute Dungeon is a fast-paced, cooperative, real-time card game that challenges players to escape a dungeon within a five-minute time limit. The game is characterized by its intense pace and the need for quick thinking and effective teamwork.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for 5-Minute Dungeon
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. Incan Gold

    All details for the board game Incan Gold and similar games

    The board game known as Diamant or Incan Gold unfolds as an exhilarating press-your-luck experience, offering players a quick and enjoyable journey into mine shafts and jungle paths. As participants flip cards from a deck, the gems discovered are evenly distributed, creating a shared bounty. However, the decision to venture deeper comes with the risk of encountering hazards like scorpions, snakes, poison gas, explosions, and rockfalls.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    More details for Incan Gold
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  22. Tempel des Schreckens

    All details for the board game Tempel des Schreckens and similar games
    • 3 - 10 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Tempel des Schreckens

    • YouTube Review for the game "Tempel des Schreckens" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  23. High Society

    All details for the board game High Society and similar games

    High Society is a competitive auction-style card game designed by Reiner Knizia, where players vie to acquire wealth and status while avoiding financial pitfalls. The game focuses on strategic bidding and careful money management.

    More details for High Society
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Schotten Totten

    All details for the board game Schotten Totten and similar games

    Schotten Totten is a strategic card game that combines elements of poker with a battle for territory. Players compete to capture boundary stones by creating powerful card formations, with a clever twist on using logic to claim victory.

    More details for Schotten Totten
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Seas of Strife

    All details for the board game Seas of Strife and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. The Mind

    All details for the board game The Mind and similar games

    The Mind is a unique card game that combines elements of cooperation, intuition, and silent communication. It is as much an experiment in group dynamics as it is a game.

    Nominated for 20 awards and won 9.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for The Mind
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Mindbug: First Contact

    All details for the board game Mindbug: First Contact and similar games

    Mindbug: First Contact is an innovative and strategic duel card game where players summon unique hybrid creatures to battle their opponent. However, the twist lies in the Mindbug cards, which can turn the tide of the game by allowing players to take control of an opponent's creature.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Mindbug: First Contact
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Watergate

    All details for the board game Watergate and similar games

    Watergate thrusts players into the historical tug-of-war between the Nixon Administration and a determined journalist from the Washington Post. This game recreates the infamous political scandal, requiring strategic card play and keen decision-making.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    More details for Watergate
    • 2 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Watergate

    • YouTube Review for the game "Watergate" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  29. 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
  30. 7 Wonders: Architects

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders: Architects and similar games

    7 Wonders: Architects invites 2-7 players into a fast-paced race to leave a lasting legacy in the ancient world by constructing an architectural marvel. Each player starts with an unconstructed wonder and embarks on a journey to gather resources, develop their society, and achieve greatness.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 5.

    🔥 Deal: 6% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for 7 Wonders: Architects
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  31. Cockroach Poker

    All details for the board game Cockroach Poker and similar games

    Cockroach Poker is a lighthearted and engaging card game focused on bluffing and reverse set collection. It features various critters like cockroaches, rats, and stink bugs, and the aim is to trick others into collecting these undesirable creatures.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2004

    🔥 Deal: 8% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Cockroach Poker
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Cockroach Poker

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cockroach Poker" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Cockroach Poker" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  32. 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
  33. Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition

    All details for the board game Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition and similar games

    Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition is a unique and innovative quantum trick-taking card game that challenges 2 to 5 players to think strategically about color and number. This deluxe edition of the game enhances the experience with high-quality components and new features.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.

    More details for Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  34. Belratti

    All details for the board game Belratti and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Belratti
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  35. Spicy

    All details for the board game Spicy and similar games

    Spicy is a vibrant bluffing card game that captures the fiery competition among three big cats who, tired of their constant battling for supremacy, decide to engage in a spicy hot eating contest. This setup serves as a backdrop for a game filled with deceit, strategy, and quick thinking, designed for 2-6 players. The game's core mechanic revolves around players announcing their card plays without revealing them, allowing for a high degree of bluffing as cards are played face down.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Spicy
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

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