Nokosu Dice

Nokosu Dice is a unique Japanese trick-taking game that adds dice to the classic card-play formula — creating a deeply tactical game of prediction, timing, and nerve.

Each round, players hold a hand of both number cards and dice. On your turn, play a card or a die into the current trick. Highest value wins the trick and scores a point — but the real game is in the prediction. At the end of each round, you score bonus points if the number of tricks you won matches the value of your last remaining die. Get it right, and you pull ahead. Get it wrong, and you hand your opponents the lead.

There’s also a daring “zero trick” declaration: announce at the start of a round that you won’t win a single trick — and if you pull it off, claim a big bonus. It’s a high-risk play that keeps every player on edge.

• 🎲 Cards + dice trick-taking — a clever mechanic you won’t find anywhere else
• 🎯 Predictive bidding — match your tricks to your last die for bonus points
• ⚡ Zero trick declaration — dare to win nothing and score big
• 👥 3–5 players — scales well across player counts
• ⏱ 45–60 minutes — satisfying without overstaying its welcome

Designed in Japan and published by Engames, Nokosu Dice is a must-have for trick-taking fans looking for something fresh and unexpected. For 3–5 players, ages 10+. View on BoardGameGeek