Dixit
Dixit, designed by Jean-Louis Roubira and published by Libellud in 2008, transforms game nights into creative storytelling sessions. Players interpret dreamlike artwork and craft clever clues to earn points. This award-winning party game supports 3-6 players, ages 8 and up, with games lasting 30 minutes. This review covers gameplay mechanics, components, and whether Dixit deserves a spot in your collection.
Dixit Game Overview
Dixit challenges players to communicate through abstract art rather than direct words. One person becomes the storyteller each round and selects a card from their hand. They provide a cryptic clue—a word, phrase, or sound.
Other players examine their own cards and choose one that matches the clue. All selected cards get shuffled and revealed face-up. Players then vote on which image belongs to the storyteller.
The scoring system rewards clever clues. If everyone guesses correctly, the storyteller scores nothing. If nobody guesses right, the storyteller also scores zero. The sweet spot lies in getting some players right and others wrong.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Jean-Louis Roubira |
| Publisher | Libellud |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Players | 3-6 (8-12 with Odyssey) |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 30 minutes |
| Game Type | Party, Storytelling, Creative |
| Complexity Rating | 1.2/5 (Light) |
What’s in the Dixit Box
The base game includes 84 large-format cards featuring Marie Cardouat’s surreal illustrations. Each card measures 12 x 8 cm, larger than standard playing cards. The oversized format showcases the detailed artwork.
Six wooden rabbit-shaped voting tokens come in different colors. These tokens identify each player and serve as voting pieces during gameplay.
The scoring track folds out to display a winding path. Wooden rabbits move along this track to show each player’s current score.
| Component | Quantity | Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Illustrated Cards | 84 | Large format, glossy finish, durable stock |
| Wooden Rabbits | 6 | Solid wood, distinct colors, smooth finish |
| Voting Tokens | 36 (6 sets) | Cardboard, numbered 1-6 |
| Scoring Track | 1 | Folding board, clear point markers |
| Rulebook | 1 | Clear examples, multiple languages |
The card quality holds up through repeated play. Sleeves work if you prefer extra protection, though the cards resist normal wear.
Dixit Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Teaches quickly – new players understand rules within one practice round
- Beautiful artwork sparks conversation even outside gameplay
- Scalable difficulty adapts to your group’s creativity level
- Zero downtime keeps everyone engaged between turns
- Family-friendly content works across age groups
- Expansions add variety without complicating rules
Cons:
- Requires 4-5 players for optimal experience (3-player games lack tension)
- Language barriers limit international groups since clues depend on shared references
- Competitive players may find scoring too casual
- Card interpretations can feel subjective and lead to disagreements
- Limited strategy compared to games like Codenames
How to Play Dixit
Setup takes under five minutes. Shuffle the deck and deal six cards to each player. Place the scoring board in the center. Give each player a matching rabbit and voting token set.
Game Round Structure
The starting player becomes the first storyteller. They examine their six cards privately and select one. Without showing it, they announce a clue. This clue can be a single word, a phrase, a song lyric, or even a sound effect.
Other players look through their own hands. Each selects one card they think matches the storyteller’s clue. They hand these cards face-down to the storyteller.
The storyteller shuffles all submitted cards together with their original card. They lay out all cards face-up in a random arrangement. Each card gets assigned a number position.
Voting Phase
Players examine the revealed cards. Using their numbered voting tokens, each player secretly selects which card they believe belongs to the storyteller. The storyteller doesn’t vote.
After everyone commits to a choice, players reveal their voting tokens simultaneously. The storyteller then identifies their original card.
Scoring
If all players or zero players guessed the storyteller’s card, the storyteller scores 0 points. All other players receive 2 points.
If at least one player (but not everyone) guessed correctly, the storyteller scores 3 points. Players who guessed correctly also score 3 points.
Additionally, players earn 1 bonus point for each vote their submitted card received from other players. This rewards players who fool others with convincing cards.
Move rabbit tokens along the scoring track according to points earned. Players draw back up to six cards. The role of storyteller passes clockwise.
Winning Dixit
The game ends when the deck runs empty. The player whose rabbit reached the highest position wins. Ties go to the player who most recently served as storyteller.
Where to Buy Dixit
| Retailer | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $25-35 | In stock, Prime eligible |
| Target | $30-35 | In-store and online |
| Barnes & Noble | $30-40 | Most locations |
| Local Game Stores | $30-40 | Call ahead |
| Miniature Market | $25-32 | Online only |
Dixit Game Mechanics
Dixit uses simultaneous card selection as its core mechanism. Unlike turn-based games, all players make decisions at once. This eliminates downtime and maintains engagement.
The voting mechanism creates a unique scoring puzzle. Storytellers must calibrate their clues to hit a specific target. Too obvious means everyone guesses correctly and nobody scores. Too vague yields the same result.
This creates a meta-game where players learn each other’s thinking patterns. Regular groups develop shared language and inside jokes. Cards gain meaning through repeated sessions together.
The hidden information element adds tension. You never know which cards other players hold. This unpredictability keeps games fresh even after dozens of plays.
Compared to Mysterium, Dixit offers lighter rules and faster gameplay. Both games use visual interpretation, but Mysterium adds deduction elements and cooperative structure.
Who Should Play Dixit
Creative players thrive in Dixit. If you enjoy making connections between abstract concepts, this game rewards that mindset. The artwork alone attracts people who appreciate visual art.
Families find Dixit accessible across generations. An 8-year-old can compete with adults on equal footing. The game rewards imagination over experience or knowledge.
Party hosts should consider Dixit for groups between 4-6 players. It fills the same niche as Wavelength or Telestrations. Everyone participates every round, preventing the split-room problem some party games create.
Language teachers have used Dixit for vocabulary building. The abstract nature of clues encourages students to think beyond literal translations.
Skip Dixit if your group prefers strategic depth. Games like Brass or Terraforming Mars offer more complex decision trees. Dixit prioritizes social interaction over tactical planning.
Also avoid this game for two-player sessions. The voting mechanism breaks down without enough participants. Look at Patchwork or 7 Wonders Duel instead for couples gaming.
Competitive players may find the scoring too loose. Since interpretation remains subjective, points can feel arbitrary. Groups that argue over card meanings will struggle with Dixit.
FAQ
Is Dixit good for beginners?
Yes, Dixit ranks among the easiest modern board games to learn. The rules fit on a single page and players grasp the concept within minutes. No gaming experience required. The challenge comes from creative thinking rather than understanding complex systems.
How long does Dixit take to play?
Most games finish in 30-40 minutes with experienced players. First-time players might need 45 minutes including rules explanation. Setup takes under 5 minutes. Game length stays consistent regardless of player count since all participants act simultaneously each round.
What’s the best player count for Dixit?
Five or six players creates the ideal experience. With this count, storytellers face the right challenge level for crafting clues. Three players feels too predictable. Four works but lacks the tension of larger groups. The Odyssey version extends gameplay up to twelve players.
Is Dixit worth buying?
Dixit delivers excellent value for social gamers and families. The base game provides hours of replayable entertainment. However, competitive strategy gamers might find it too light. Consider whether your group enjoys creative, interpretive activities over calculated tactical moves before purchasing.
What games are similar to Dixit?
Mysterium shares the visual interpretation mechanic but adds cooperative deduction. Telestrations combines drawing with telephone-style miscommunication. Pictomania offers simultaneous drawing gameplay. Wavelength tests how well you understand your teammates’ thinking. All emphasize creativity over strategy like Dixit.
