Overview

Bakschisch is a bluffing and bribery card game for 3-6 players. The goal is to successfully bribe your way to the Sultan’s throne and remain there until the end of the round. Players attempt to sneak and bribe their way into a Sultan’s palace, using money and influence to gain position while blocking opponents.

Components

• Palace cards or board showing the path to the throne
• Money cards/tokens for bribery
• Action cards
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Arrange the palace/path cards to form the route to the Sultan’s throne.
2. Deal money and action cards to each player.
3. Each player starts at the entrance of the palace.

Turn Structure

On each turn, players play cards to advance through the palace, bribe guards, and attempt to reach the throne:

1. Play cards: Use money or action cards to advance or interfere with opponents.
2. Resolve bribes: Determine if bribes succeed or fail.
3. Move position: Advance toward the throne or be pushed back.

Actions

• Bribe: Play money cards to advance past guards or obstacles.
• Block: Use action cards to prevent opponents from advancing.
• Advance: Move closer to the Sultan’s throne.
• Defend position: Play cards to resist being pushed back by opponents.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The player who reaches the Sultan’s throne and holds it (remains there) until the round ends wins. Multiple rounds may be played, with the overall winner being the player who reaches the throne most often.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Bluffing element: Players may bluff about their bribe amounts or card plays.
• Guard opposition: Some positions have guards that require specific bribe amounts to pass.
• Player interaction: Heavy interaction through blocking and counter-bribery.

Player Reference

Objective: Reach and hold the Sultan’s throne

Core mechanics: Bribery, bluffing, hand management

Win condition: Be on the throne at the end of the round