- BGG rank
- BGG #1,934
- BGG rating
- 7.3
Magic Realm
- 1–16 players
- 60–240 min
- Complexity 4.6/5
- 1979
- BGG rank
- BGG #15,616
- BGG rating
- 7.4
Waving Hands
1977
Rules assistance for Waving Hands
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–10 players
- 30 min
- 8+
- Complexity 2.8/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Waving Hands
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Waving Hands is a board game released in 1977 for 2–10 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Richard A. Bartle and its main mechanics are Simultaneous Action Selection, Paper-and-Pencil, and Action Queue.
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About the game
This unique and cunning pencil and paper game features a magical duel between 2 wizards. Variants for more are easily devised (last wizard standing, teams, etc.). The two opponents perform 6 magical gestures with their hands to cast spells - each spell created by performing a specific sequence of gestures. As gestures for the 2 hands are written secretly, then revealed simultaneously, there is ample ground for feinting - starting a sequence leading to a certain attack, then switching to a different sequence, hoping your opponent doesn't call your bluff. The 40 different spells allow you to attack, defend, summon monsters, enchant your opponent (limit his or her play in different ways), and more. To win, you need to make creative use of the many options, and keep an open eye towards your opponent's schemes. This is a game of almost pure skill. The inventor wishes to state that he has never been involved in a magical duel but would be interested to discover how realistic the game is for those who have been involved in such a bout.
Categories
Designers
Publishers
- (Web published)
- RavenBlack Games
Questions and answers
Waving Hands supports 2–10 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 Waving Hands 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 Waving Hands 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.
Waving Hands has a complexity rating of 2.8 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-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.
Waving Hands belongs to these categories: Fantasy. Its main mechanics are Simultaneous Action Selection, Paper-and-Pencil, and Action Queue. 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 Waving Hands are: Richard A. Bartle. 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 Waving Hands 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.