- BGG rank
- BGG #14,601
- BGG rating
- 6.4
Keesdrow
- 2–6 players
- 60 min
- Complexity 1.8/5
- 2005
- BGG rank
- BGG #18,077
- BGG rating
- 5.9
Gemlok
2007
Rules assistance for Gemlok
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 40 min
- 7+
- Complexity 1.6/5
Rules assistant for Gemlok
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Gemlok is a board game released in 2007 for 2–4 players, 40 minutes per game, and ages 7 and up. It was designed by Donald Meyer and its main mechanics are Roll / Spin and Move and Dice Rolling.
Similar games
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,663
- BGG rating
- 6.6
Backgammon
- 2 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 2.0/5
- -3000
- BGG rank
- BGG #5,743
- BGG rating
- 7.6
Pax Penning
- 3–5 players
- 60–120 min
- Complexity 2.9/5
- 2024
- BGG rank
- BGG #6,189
- BGG rating
- 6.7
Havalandi
- 2–4 players
- 45–60 min
- Complexity 2.1/5
- 2023
- BGG rank
- BGG #7,598
- BGG rating
- 6.0
Ninja Versus Ninja
- 2 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 1.3/5
- 2008
- BGG rank
- BGG #11,688
- BGG rating
- 5.8
Treehouse
- 2–4 players
- 20 min
- Complexity 1.3/5
- 2006
- BGG rank
- BGG #11,849
- BGG rating
- 5.8
Senet
- 2 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 1.4/5
- BGG rank
- BGG #13,375
- BGG rating
- 6.1
Martian Coasters
- 2–5 players
- 15–30 min
- Complexity 1.3/5
- 2006
- BGG rank
- BGG #15,057
- BGG rating
- 5.9
Pirate Versus Pirate
- 2–3 players
- 20 min
- Complexity 1.1/5
- 2010
- BGG rank
- BGG #15,376
- BGG rating
- 6.7
EinStein würfelt nicht!
- 2 players
- 10 min
- Complexity 1.6/5
- 2004
- BGG rank
- BGG #17,139
- BGG rating
- 6.3
Birth
- 2–3 players
- 5 min
- Complexity 1.8/5
- 2013
- BGG rank
- BGG #21,400
- BGG rating
- 6.8
Hotu Matua
- 2 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 2.6/5
- 1989
About the game
From the back of the box: Strive to land on the most precious gems, and hang on for a ride. The roll of the dice determines your moves, but your strategy determines your fate. You finally land on a diamond - and a ruby and two emeralds. But how do you keep them from being taken by the other players? You must roll a "GEMLOK" to make them yours to keep. Meanwhile, the other players will keep coming and they will not stop. They want those precious gems, and will stop at nothing to get them. Nothing is certain until you roll a "GEMLOK". Even then, each player must secure eight gems, and will encounter significant player strategy along the way before securing their fortune. Players may find themselves forced to lock in a low value gem or none at all. Avoid being bumped by other players, and don't hesitate to bump them first. There is also the strategy of bumping oneself into a more favorable position. So much fun, interaction and strategy built into Gemlok. Enjoy your Family and Friends as you play Gemlok and HAVE FUN! 2007 Mensa Select
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Pywacket, LLC
Questions and answers
Gemlok 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 Gemlok is 40 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 Gemlok for ages 7 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.
Gemlok has a complexity rating of 1.6 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.
Gemlok belongs to these categories: Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Roll / Spin and Move and Dice Rolling. 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 Gemlok are: Donald Meyer. 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 Gemlok 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.