Fist of Dragonstones

Hide coins in a closed fist, bid on enchanted characters and turn Dragonstones into victory.

Designers: Michael Schacht, Bruno Faidutti
Published by: Days of Wonder

A hidden forest between two mountain ranges, and a cast of enchanted characters who will work for whoever pays best. In Fist of Dragonstones (2002) every round a new character card comes up for auction, and you bid with gold and magic coins held in a closed fist. Everyone opens their fists at once, and the highest bid takes control of the card's powers. Those powers can bring more coins, Dragonstones or points, put spells on other players or turn Dragonstones into victory. It is a short, bluffy bidding game for three to six players, about an hour, that is all about reading how much your neighbors want each card.

Closed-fist bidding with gold and magic coinsEnchanted characters with changing powersConvert Dragonstones into victory points

Who it's for

You like sealed-bid auctions and bluffing in a fantasy setting, with four or so friends who enjoy the reveal.

Not for you if…

You want something with long-term planning or no guessing. Each auction is a gamble about what others will bid.

Vibe's take

Bluffy and tense at every reveal. You are constantly guessing how much your neighbors want a card, and a surprise bid can feel great or awful.