- BGG rank
- BGG #23,675
- BGG rating
- 5.7
Big Top
- 3–6 players
- 60 min
- Complexity 1.5/5
- 2003
- BGG rank
- BGG #27,998
- BGG rating
- 5.4
Anathema
2003
Rules assistance for Anathema
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 30 min
- 8+
- Complexity 1.5/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Anathema
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Anathema is a board game released in 2003 for 2–4 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Ray Mulford and Kevin Brusky and its main mechanics are Set Collection.
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About the game
Fear. Paranoia. Hysteria. These were commonplace in Salem, Massachusetts during the year 1692. To be sure, white magic had been practiced in this sleepy community before now - charms to help the crops grow, potions to heal the ailing. But when some young girls became mysteriously ill and began ranting about witches, the village became alarmed. Was the Devil in Salem? Anathema (which means "curse" or "cursed one") is a card game for 2 to 4 players based on the fast-paced classic card game Casino. Players capture face-up cards on the table with cards from their hands by matching point values. While the rules are simple, subtle strategies can make the difference between winning and becoming Anathema.
Questions and answers
Anathema supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Anathema is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Anathema for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Anathema has a complexity rating of 1.5 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Anathema belongs to these categories: Card Game and Horror. Its main mechanics are Set Collection. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Anathema are: Ray Mulford and Kevin Brusky. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Anathema as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.