YutNori, the packable strategy game by Helinox.

YutNori is a traditional Korean game of rivalry and strategy where the players try to race home while bumping and blocking the competition. Helinox has taken the game and formed it into a lightweight, durable, and compressible package. Quick Review:

YutNori is a simple game, yet requires some strategy. The goal is to circle the board and get back home. Spaces are moved by rolling the yuts (sticks) which act like dice. You move the number of spaces determined by the yuts. The strategy comes in the form of landing on the opposing team to remove their mals (player pieces, aka mules). Players can also land on their own teams spaces to move as a pair, which is faster. The risk being the other team can land on those pieces and eliminate both pieces at the same time. If a player lands on the edge spaces, they can then move diagonally to get home. All pieces have to make it home to win. It’s very simple and kid friendly, yet can build some tension and create fun, low stakes rivalry as each game is quick and devoid of stress.

It’s a fun game, despite lacking some dept, and is good around a campfire or on the patio for a few fun games. It’s especially fun with players moving in and out of play, doing short tournaments, or when playing with snacks as currency (A PB cup to the winner adds some fun but low stakes).

The game is compact, extremely light weight, and exceptionally durable. It’s essentially impossible to break, which is ideal for something that is going to get shoved into backpacks and such. The pieces seal up nicely inside the travel case, which is vented and breathable. It’s basically water proof, despite being able to get wet, so play in wet grass or in drizzle isn’t a problem.

It feels a touch expensive at 40 bucks, but still worth considering if you like simple, addictive quick play games that won’t cause any stress or tension.