三国杀

Sanguosha is a card game for 2–10 players, each taking on the role of a historical figure from the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The game is played in turns, with each player drawing cards, playing cards, and using character-specific abilities. The objective varies depending on the player's identity: the lord (主公) and loyalists (忠臣) must defeat the rebels (反贼), while the renegade (内奸) aims to be the last one standing.²

The game uses a deck of cards that includes basic cards (杀, 闪, 桃), trick cards (锦囊), and equipment cards (装备). Each character has a unique set of skills that can alter the flow of the game, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Sanguosha was created by Huang Kai, a Chinese game designer, and was first released in 2008 by Yoka Games. The game quickly gained popularity, leading to numerous expansions that introduced new characters, cards, and game modes. The standard edition includes 25 characters, while expansions like "Wind" (风), "Fire" (火), and "Forest" (林) add dozens more.³

The game has also been adapted into digital versions, including an official online platform and mobile apps, which have further expanded its reach. The digital versions often include exclusive characters and features not found in the physical game.

Sanguosha has had a significant impact on Chinese popular culture, inspiring a television series, novels, and a competitive esports scene. The game's characters and lore are drawn from the classic novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," and it has been credited with introducing a new generation to this historical epic.⁴

The game has also been used in educational settings to teach Chinese history and strategy, and it has been the subject of academic studies on game design and social interaction.

While Sanguosha is widely known, several aspects are less familiar to casual players. For instance, the game's early development was influenced by the Italian card game Bang!, but it was redesigned to incorporate Chinese historical themes and unique mechanics.⁵

Another lesser-known fact is that the game's official rules have been updated over time, with the 2013 rulebook introducing significant changes to the order of play and card interactions. Additionally, there are regional variants, such as the "1v1" mode, which is popular in competitive play but not as well-known internationally.

The game has also spawned a series of official novels and comics, expanding the lore beyond the cards. These works are often overlooked by players who focus solely on the game itself.

主公

The lord, one of the roles in the game who must survive and defeat the rebels.

反贼

Rebels, players whose goal is to kill the lord.

内奸

The renegade, a player who must be the last survivor.

杀

A basic card used to attack another player.

闪

A basic card used to dodge an attack.

桃

A basic card used to restore health.