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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 with special powers 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.
The goal is to score 31 points before the other player. Can you outmaneuver your rival to found a new dynasty?
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Chu Han FAQ — Designer Tom Lehmann has clarified rules and answered user questions
- some of the card abilities are definitely clever. Turning your opponent's power into your own game feels really great.
- the historical guide in the box surprisingly detailed and very well done. If you like games that lean into theme and context like that, even if it doesn't really affect gameplay, it's a pretty awesome touch.
- there really just wasn't much of a wow factor here. There's so many inventive trick takers out now, and this one felt fine.
- the pacing definitely can stall. a few bad draws and suddenly you're just watching your opponent play solitaire while you sit there hoping for some kind of miracle.
- the rule book was pretty rough in the 2020s with tools like chat GPT around that I just don't think there's much of an excuse for a clunky teach like this.
- battling for dominance in the ashes of an empire, civil war
- ashes of an empire, 3rd century BCE Chinese dynasty
- Race for the Galaxy
- President
- Scout
- Fox in the Forest
- The Cat in the Box
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — Each round starts with players getting a third of the deck with the rest going into a central supply.
- hand management — a few bad draws and suddenly you're just watching your opponent play solitaire while you sit there hoping for some kind of miracle.
- Push Your Luck — It's all about pushing your luck.
- set collection — A set just being any group of the same number.
- Trick-taking — As you duke it out through a series of tricks until one of you hits 31 points and seizes the dynasty.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Long before Marvel versus DC, Messi versus Ronaldo, Android versus Apple, or even Kendrick versus Drake, there was Chu versus Han. One of history's OG rivalries. No internet beef, just swords, politics, and a lot of ambition.
- Basically, it was the original Clash of Clans, just with fewer gems and a lot more beheadings.
- This one felt fine. Like, honestly, it mainly reminded me of that old card game, President. You know, that one that you would play in high school study hall while pretending to do school work.