Objective of the Game
Uta-Garuta is a traditional Japanese variant of the game Karuta. The objective is to recognize and capture the most target cards ("Toris") by correctly identifying the matching first lines of poetry.
Game Materials
- Yomi-fuda (Reading Cards): These cards feature the complete 31-syllable Tanka poems from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu collection.
- Tori-fuda (Target Cards): These cards display the second half of a Tanka (14 syllables).
Preparation
- Lay out Target Cards: The Tori-fuda are spread face up on the floor between players. Proper arrangement and balance between players are important.
- Prepare Reading Cards: One player takes on the role of the reader and shuffles the Yomi-fuda.
Game Play
- Reading the Yomi-fuda: The reader draws a Yomi-fuda and starts to read aloud the first half of the tanka poem on it.
- Find the Match: Players must try to find and tap or grab the Tori-fuda with the matching second half of the poem as quickly as possible.
- Winning the Card: The first player to correctly touch the Tori-fuda wins the card.
- Continue and End: The game continues until all cards are claimed. The player with the most cards at the end wins.
Strategies
- Memory Training: Players are advised to familiarize themselves with the poems beforehand to react faster.
- Division of Playing Field: Experienced players mentally divide the field into sectors to increase the chance of grabbing the correct card quickly.
- Speed and Reaction: Quick reflexes are crucial to capturing the correct card before opponents.
Special Features
- Competitions: In Japan, there are official competitions and rankings in Karuta, particularly when using the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, giving the game a competitive edge.
Uta-Garuta is a game that rewards both knowledge of Japanese poetry and quick reaction times, making it a popular game for families and cultural gatherings.
