Koi-Koi – Game Guide and Introduction
Koi-Koi is a digital version of the classic Japanese hanafuda card game, developed by Otakode. In this game, you play multiple rounds (traditionally 12) of card matching against a computerized opponent, aiming to form special combinations (“yaku”) and make strategic choices to gain points.
How to Play Koi-Koi
Koi-Koi is a Japanese card game played with hanafuda cards. The goal is to make special combinations called yaku and score points. You face off in rounds, playing cards from your hand, matching cards on the field, and choosing whether to continue (“Koi-Koi”) or stop and bank your points.
Setup
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Each player is dealt 8 cards.
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Another 8 cards are placed face-up in the center (called the field).
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The remaining cards form the draw pile.
Yaku (Winning Combinations)
To win a round, you must form at least one yaku. Some of the main yaku are:
| Yaku Name | What It Requires | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasu (Plains) |  |
10 Plain cards. Each Additional 1P after. | 1 point (plus 1 more for each extra plain card) |
| Tanzaku (Ribbons) |  |
5 Ribbons. Each Additional 1P after. | 1 point (plus 1 more for each extra ribbon) |
| Tane (Animals) |  |
5 Animals. Each Additional 1P after. | 1 point (plus extra for more) |
| Ino-Shika-Cho (Boar-Deer-Butterfly) |  |
Animal cards of Clover, Maple, Peony. | 5 points |
| Akatan (Red Poetry Ribbons) |  |
All 3 red poetry ribbons. | 6 points |
| Aotan (Blue Ribbons) |  |
All 3 blue ribbons. | 6 points |
| Sanko (3 Brights without Rain Man) |  |
3 Bright cards not containing Rain man card. | 6 points |
| Ame-Shiko (Rain Man) |  |
4Brights containing Rain man card. | 8 points |
| Shiko (4 Brights without Rain Man) |  |
4 Bright cards not containing Rain man card. | 10 points |
| Goko (5 Brights) |  |
All 5 Bright cards. | 15 points |
| Tsuki-fuda (Monthly Cards) |  |
All four cards in one group shown right on screen. | 4 points
|
| Oya-Ken (Dealer’s Privilege) | If neither gets any Yaku, Dealer wins 6 points. |
Features of Otakode’s Version
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You play about 12 rounds against a computer opponent.
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Clean visual design, mouse-based controls.
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The game is still in development: planned improvements include better help / tutorials, more feedback for moves, possibly online play, custom rules, etc.
Tips & Strategy
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Know your yaku combinations — being familiar with which card sets give you strong scoring is key.
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Risk vs reward with Koi-Koi — sometimes it’s better to stop early and secure points rather than risk them by trying for bigger combos.
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Watch what’s on the table — keeping track of cards already played or available on the field helps you predict what your opponent might get.
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Manage timing — deciding when to call Koi-Koi (if at all) is often what makes the difference in tight matches.
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