Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game is a twoplayer game in which each player takes the role of one of the seven Great Clans of Rokugan. In the game, players vie for political and military dominance while simultaneously observing the strict codes of conduct that preserve their honor. Each player commands their forces from two different decks: a dynasty deck that fills their provinces with characters and holdings, and a conflict deck consisting of tactics, maneuvers, and tricks that can be used to turn the tide of a conflict.
 
During a game, players engage in conflicts against their opponent’s provinces in an attempt to break them. The first player to break the province that holds their opponent’s stronghold wins the game. However, the players must also monitor their honor as they contest one another, for it is possible for a player to win by achieving a high degree of honor, or to run out of honor and shamefully lose the game.