How to Play The One Hundred Torii: Koi Mini-Expansion

By Pencil First Games | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to add the Koi Mini-Expansion to The One Hundred Torii, from setup and card dealing to scoring and advanced tips.

Quick answer

The Koi Mini-Expansion adds a set of action cards dealt to each player at the start of the game. You can keep Koi cards for one journey point each at game end, or spend them for special actions like gaining extra tokens or using multiple characters. It is designed for advanced players and works best when you treat each card as a one-time resource.

What the Koi Mini-Expansion adds

This is a second expansion for The One Hundred Torii, intended for players who already know the base game. At the start of each game, every player receives a set of Koi action cards. Each card can be used in one of two ways: keep it until the end for one journey point, or spend it during play to trigger a special action. The expansion does not change the core turn structure; it layers a small hand of tactical options on top of it.

Setting up Koi cards before you play

After setting up the base game, deal each player their Koi cards. The exact number may vary by player count or your preferred difficulty; the key is that every player gets the same number. Place your cards face-up in front of you so you can see your options. Do not shuffle Koi cards into the main deck or mix them with other expansion components, because they are meant to stay with their owner for the whole game.

Using Koi cards during your turn

On your turn, you may spend one or more Koi cards before or after your main action, depending on the card. Each card lists a specific effect, such as gaining extra tokens or allowing you to use multiple characters. Once spent, the card is discarded and cannot be used again. You cannot spend a card and then keep it for points; the choice is permanent. Plan ahead so you do not waste a card on a minor gain when you could save it for a crucial turn.

Scoring Koi cards at the end of the game

When the game ends, each Koi card still in your possession is worth one journey point. Add these points to your total from the base game. Because every card is worth the same, there is no bonus for hoarding a specific type. The trade-off is simple: spend now for an immediate advantage, or hold for a guaranteed point. In close games, a single point can decide the winner, so evaluate whether the action you need is worth more than one point.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

New players often spend Koi cards too early on small benefits, then run out of options when a key opportunity appears. Another mistake is forgetting that spent cards are gone forever; there is no way to recover them. Also, do not assume Koi cards replace normal actions—they are extras. Finally, check that you are not accidentally mixing Koi cards with other expansion cards like Toku, which have different rules.

Step-by-step: playing the Koi Mini-Expansion

Set up the base game first: Complete all normal setup for The One Hundred Torii before touching the Koi cards. Checkpoint: if you are still placing starting tokens, pause and finish that first.
Deal Koi cards to each player: Give every player an identical number of Koi action cards, face-up in front of them. Common mistake: dealing different amounts; keep it fair.
Review your cards before play begins: Read each card's action so you know your options for the whole game. Checkpoint: identify which cards you are most likely to spend versus keep.
On your turn, decide whether to spend a Koi card: You may use a card for its special action, such as gaining extra tokens or using multiple characters, instead of keeping it for points. Common mistake: spending a card without a clear plan; make sure the action helps this turn.
Discard spent Koi cards immediately: Once used, the card leaves your possession and cannot be scored later. Checkpoint: place spent cards in a discard pile to avoid confusion.
At game end, score kept Koi cards: Each Koi card still in front of you adds one journey point to your total. Common mistake: forgetting to count them; double-check before declaring a winner.

Koi Mini-Expansion at a glance

The One Hundred Torii: Koi Mini-Expansion: This is an expansion for The One Hundred Torii. The Koi mini-expansion is a second expansion for advanced players, in which each player is dealt a set of action cards at the start of the game. It assumes you already know the base game, so it is not a standalone experience.
The One Hundred Torii: Koi Mini-Expansion: Koi cards are worth one journey point if kept until the end of the game or they may be used as special actions for extra tokens, using multiple characters, etc. Every card forces a choice between a guaranteed point and a tactical burst, which shapes your whole strategy.
The One Hundred Torii: Koi Mini-Expansion: Players only get one of each action card, but they can use... You cannot rely on drawing a specific card again, so timing each unique effect is critical.