Canvas

Canvas (2021) is a creative collecting game where you layer transparent cards and backgrounds to make unique pictures. The aim is to match your art to the target style each round, indicated by icons on the cards. This layering of cards creates a fascinating challenge that both creates interesting pictures and an intricate scoring system.

---

Play begins by selecting a combination of four scoring conditions that define which symbols (and related art) you need in your picture to impress the judges. Each player then receives three blank canvases to complete by purchasing Art cards from the central Art Market area.

You purchase Art cards by placing your currency on each Art card you don't want, working from the left. This currency stays on that card until someone picks it. This means that going for the highest-scoring card is not always possible. Also, it can be worth taking the lower-scoring cards if that means you get some currency back with them.

Once you have enough cards you can create a painting by combining three cards. You need to take care to organise the layers so they meet the requirements of the different judges. The Canvas card is also reversible with different starting icons on the back that may offer better combinations with your Art cards (also prettier pictures).

The conditions you are aiming for may be that you need one of each icon, or maybe two specific icons next to each other, or maybe one icon of each colour. If you score multiple ribbons from the same judge with your three paintings you get a score multiplier.

The result is not only a highly tactical game but one where you are creating beautiful-looking artworks -- they even generate unique names. As you progress, the developing market for Art cards, and the selecting of judging criteria combine to develop wide-ranging strategies for maximising your score.

---

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Canvas 24 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.