How to Play Flippin Ninjas: Quick Start Guide
By Catalyst Game Labs Store | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and play Flippin Ninjas, a quick-paced hidden knowledge game of stealth, memory, bluffing, and strategy. This guide covers setup, gameplay, and winning conditions.
Quick Answer
To play Flippin Ninjas, each player secretly places their ninjas on the board, then takes turns flipping pieces to reveal identities and capture the opponent's Daimyo. The first to capture the opposing Daimyo wins.
What Makes Flippin Ninjas Unique
Flippin Ninjas is a hidden knowledge game where even you don't know where your own ninjas are at the start. As pieces are flipped over, their identities and power are revealed, adding layers of memory and bluffing.
The game is quick-paced and suitable for 2 players, making it a great choice for a fast strategic duel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New players often forget that ninjas can be flipped back down to hide their identity again. Use this to your advantage to bluff your opponent.
Another common mistake is focusing only on your own ninjas while ignoring the opponent's moves. Pay attention to which pieces your opponent flips to track their Daimyo.
How to Play Flippin Ninjas: Step by Step
- Setup the Board and Pieces: Place the game board in the center. Each player takes their set of ninja pieces (including one Daimyo) and secretly places them on their side of the board, one piece per space. All pieces start face-down. Make sure every piece is face-down so no one knows where the Daimyo is.
- Take Turns Flipping Pieces: On your turn, choose any face-down piece on the board and flip it face-up. If it's your own ninja, you may use its special ability (if any) or simply leave it revealed. If it's an opponent's piece, you must flip it back down after seeing it. Remember which opponent pieces you've seen to track their Daimyo later.
- Capture the Opponent's Daimyo: To win, you must capture the opposing Daimyo. You can do this by moving one of your ninjas onto the space containing the opponent's Daimyo, but only if you have correctly identified which piece it is. The Daimyo is captured when your ninja lands on its space. Don't reveal your own Daimyo too early, or your opponent may capture it.
Product Details
- Flippin Ninjas: Flippin Ninjas is a game of stealth, memory, bluffing, and strategy where even you don't know where your ninjas are at the start. This hidden knowledge mechanic means every game is unpredictable, rewarding careful observation and clever bluffing over pure luck.
Flippin Ninjas
