Koi-Koi Card Game

About this product

A beautiful traditional Japanese card game of calm observation, clever matching and bold risk-taking.

A curated Afrishon World pick for thoughtful card play, cultural discovery and elegant screen-free strategy.

Capture matching Hanafuda cards, build valuable Yaku combinations and decide when to stop — or call “Koi-Koi” and push your luck.

Product Description

Koi-Koi is a traditional Japanese 2-player card game played with a 48-card Hanafuda deck. Each turn, players capture cards from the centre of the table by matching cards from the same month, then build scoring combinations called Yaku. The beauty is in the choice: take your points now with “Shobu”, or call “Koi” and risk playing on for a bigger score.

Why you’ll love it

• Traditional Japanese card play — enjoy the poetic world of Hanafuda cards, with suits inspired by the months of the year.
• Elegant set collection — capture cards and build Yaku combinations using flowers, ribbons, animals and light cards.
• Push-your-luck tension — once you score, decide whether to stop or keep going for a bigger reward.
• Beautiful cultural theme — the booklet includes history, origins, rules, strategies and variants.
• Perfect for 2 players — a calm but competitive game for couples, friends or thoughtful card-game fans.
• Beginner-friendly learning — the rulebook is designed to teach the game step by step.

Quick Details

• Players: 2 players
• Play time: Around 80 minutes for 12 rounds; shorter 6-round games are suggested
• Game type/category: Traditional card game / set collection card game
• Mechanics: Set collection, card matching, push your luck, scoring combinations, hand management
• Publisher: IELLO
• Collaboration: Designed with the French Playing Card Museum
• Standalone or expansion: Standalone game

Good to Know

• This is a standalone game. No base game is required to play.
• Koi-Koi uses a traditional 48-card Hanafuda deck.
• The deck is divided into 12 suits of 4 cards, with each suit representing a month of the year.
• Players capture cards by matching cards from the same month.
• Scoring combinations are called Yaku.
• When you make a Yaku, you can end the round with Shobu or continue by calling Koi.
• The traditional game is played over 12 rounds, but shorter 6-round games are also suggested.
• Variants are included for players who want to explore different ways to play.

What’s in the Box

• 48 Hanafuda cards
• Player aid
• Rulebook with origins, rules, strategies and variants

Care & Maintenance

Keep cards dry and store them safely in the box after play.
Avoid bending the cards and keep them away from very young children.