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Garden of Zen

Garden of Zen 2017

Design Jason Meyers (I) Publisher Button Shy
6.3 /10
BGG rating
1–2
Players
5–10
Minutes
8
Age

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Expansions & Promos

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About the Game

A cooperative game of silent harmony.

This is a 9-card nano game in which two players try to construct a zen garden that will match the hidden goal card. Each card has both a component of the garden and a victory condition. By clever placement and logical deduction, players try to discern which victory condition is on the last remaining card. The game is quick, but encourages contemplative interaction and logical thinking.

There are alternate rule sets that allow a competitive game, where you try to prevent your opponent from meeting their goal while trying to make yours, or to play solo.

—description from the designer

Another winner of our Nano Game Contest, this one stood out right from the beginning due to its range with just 9 cards. Jason actually developed it as a system with multiple different ways to play, and we may release additional rules down the line. Co-op was where it shined for us, and Mike Mullins was even tinkering with a solo version, which hopefully will make it your way as well.

—description from the publisher

Filed Under

Categories
Mechanics
BGG ratings
7
BGG data
refreshed Aug 11, 2026