Gugong (NL) - Board game

Gùgōng

In Gùgōng, players take on the roles of powerful Chinese families in 1570 under the Longqing Emperor. Through exchanging gifts with officials (you must play a gift card of higher value than the one you receive), you work to increase influence. Support the construction of the Great Wall, purchase jade, enact decrees, travel the provinces, sail the Grand Canal, and ultimately hope your envoy receives an audience with the Emperor.

Key Features:

• Gift-exchange / Card swap mechanic: Use your hand of gift cards (value 1-9) to replace a board card to take its corresponding action.

• Set collection & multiple scoring paths: Jade, decree tiles, travel bonuses etc. give you different ways to score.

• Limited servants / worker management: Servants are needed to execute actions; planning servant use and replenishment is essential.

• Multiple action locations on central board: Seven distinct locations offering diverse actions—travel, canal, decrees, intrigue, etc.

• Four rounds (Days) with phases: Morning (preparation), Day (actions) and Night (scoring via Destiny Dice); 4-day game arc.

• Critical palace path: If your envoy does not reach the Palace of Heavenly Purity by game end, you are ineligible to win—even with many victory points.

• Theme & high quality components: Beautiful art, satisfying physical components, strong immersion in Ming-China setting.

Why Choose Gùgōng?

Gùgōng stands out by blending intense decision-making with thematic richness. You need to balance your hand, servants, and timing—when to pursue jade, when to push for decree cards, when to focus on reaching the palace. With multiple viable strategies, high player interaction, and a clear tug-of-war around influence, it offers both new and experienced eurogame players deep gameplay without overcomplex rules. A rewarding game for those die graag plannen en keuzes maken die echt tellen.