tabletoppingboardgames 
Ada’s Library is in complete disarray—books scattered, all out of order! Your job? Help Ada reorganize the shelves by using library cards to shift books around. Each player competes to be the first to sort their section of the library and match the master shelf. Can you restore order before your opponents?
👥 2 players, ages 8+
⌛ Playing time: 20 minutes
📝 Designers: Zach & Amanda Greenvoss
🎨 Artwork: Wanjin Gill
🏢 Publisher: Playte (Review copy provided)
Gameplay Overview
The game kicks off with 6 books placed in random order on the master bookshelf at the center of the table, while each player sets up a row of 10 books in front of them. Ada’s Library is played in turns, with players racing to rearrange their books to match the color order of the master bookshelf.
On your turn, play a library card from your hand and use its effect, then draw a new card to end your turn. Alternatively, you can discard a card and draw a replacement. The library cards allow you to change the order of books in front of you: move books one to four steps, send them to the end of the row, swap books with another player, or even alter the master bookshelf itself.
The game continues until a player successfully aligns their books in the exact color sequence of the master bookshelf. Achieve this, and you immediately win the game.
Game Info
Designed by Zach Greenvoss and Amanda Greenvoss, Ada’s Library is brought to us by Playte. This family-friendly, abstract game for two players is suitable for ages 8 and up, and each round takes about 20 minutes to play. It’s actually a revamped version of Phoenix, a game that first hit shelves back in 2003. Perfect for a quick duel, it’s got the charm of a classic with a fresh twist.
Components, Production, and Artwork
The production quality of Ada’s Library is solid, with components that feel sturdy and built to last. The wooden books are satisfying to handle, and the cards are durable enough to survive many intense book-rearranging battles. Everything has a pleasant, polished feel that adds to the experience.
The rulebook is clear and straightforward, making the game easy to learn and quick to get started. You don’t need a PhD in board games to jump right in, which makes it ideal for families or casual gamers. The game box is magnetic and cleverly doubles as the game board when opened, saving you setup time and space—perfect for gaming on the go or when you need a quick game fix on holiday.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategy
The library cards are the heart of the game, offering a variety of actions that give players plenty of tactical choices. Whether you’re shifting books along your row, swapping them with your opponent, or even messing with the master bookshelf, every card played can swing the game in a new direction. While most of the gameplay focuses on managing your own row of books, a few sneaky cards let you disrupt your opponent’s progress in delightfully frustrating ways.
The exchange cards are particularly notorious, allowing you to switch a book from your row with one of your opponent’s, often at the worst possible moment for them. Imagine your opponent being just one move away from victory, and suddenly, their almost-perfect row is derailed by a well-timed swap—cue the groans and side-eye! There’s also the option to mess with the master bookshelf, changing the order of colors that both players are racing to match. This card can be a game-changer, especially when played just as someone’s about to win, altering the entire objective and causing no small amount of chaos and laughter.
Final Thoughts
Ada’s Library is a charming and accessible abstract strategy game that invites players to plan ahead and outsmart their rivals. It’s best enjoyed when both players are evenly matched in gaming experience and don’t mind a bit of friendly sabotage along the way. The game’s simplicity makes it easy to learn, but the variety of strategic moves keeps it engaging even after multiple plays. This game is quick and fun, perfect for when you want a bit of competition without wading through pages of rules—it’s all the challenge with none of the complexity.
So, if you’re looking for a game that’s quick to set up, easy to learn, and packed with just enough tactical depth to keep things interesting, Ada’s Library might just be the page-turner you need in your collection.
📝 We received a copy of the game from the publisher, Playte.
Playte will be at Spiel Essen ’24 next month, bringing Ada’s Library for sale! You can check out the game in person at Booth 5H410. Check out the game at the booth and enjoy a casual duel of strategy and book swapping.
