Ninjan

Ninjan is a fast, competitive card game built on the rock-paper-scissors principle — but with enough tactical depth to keep every round tense. Players compete to recruit the strongest ninjas by claiming card piles from the centre of the table, using timing and anticipation to outmanoeuvre their opponents.

Each player starts with nine cards split across three suits: rock, paper, and scissors, each valued from -6 to 10. Every turn, all players simultaneously reveal a chosen card. Going from highest to lowest value — with ties broken by the RPS rule — players claim a matching pile from the centre and replace it with their played card. After nine rounds, the player with the highest total score from claimed cards wins.

What's good?

• Simultaneous reveal keeps every player engaged on every turn
• Negative-value cards add a risk element — claiming the wrong pile can hurt your score
• Plays in 15–30 minutes and fits in a pocket — great for travel
• Familiar RPS mechanic makes it instantly accessible to new players

Who is it for?

• ✔ Groups of 2–5 looking for a quick, competitive card game
• ✔ Families with children aged 7 and up
• ✔ Travellers wanting a compact game that plays in under 30 minutes
• ✖ Not suited to players wanting cooperative play or complex strategy

A standalone game. Part of the Helvetiq pocket collection.

Pair with: More titles in the Helvetiq collection.