Khariat is a Romulan game which uses the same pieces as a Vulcan kal-toh set. The games are believed to have the same origin in ancient Vulcan history but differ considerably in that khariat is the inverse problem to Kal-Toh. Rather than creating order from the jumble of game set rods, the object is to destabilize the construct of rods, enough so that you are safe but your opponent is left with no move that does not result in total collapse.

There are several variations. The one more like earth’s Jenga is typically referred to simply as khariat. What is more typically called heith gen’enh might be described as ‘reverse Jenga’ as rods are added rather than removed, but the structure built up with the goal of denying completion by leaving an opponent no move that will not collapse it. Most Romulans consider heith gen’enh the more advanced form of the game.

Though generally played with two, as with kal-toh, there are those who in fact prefer to play three or even four to a set. While somewhat awkward and much more fast paced, the elements of unpredictability and interplay of unintended effects is considered by some as an allegory to other aspects of life.

There is also a mixed variation in which one player tries to drive play to completion of the structure while the other tries to force them into the position of collapsing it. In games with more than two players, an additional level of difficulty may be added by having players randomly and secretly assigned these opposing goals. This is a popular form as it fosters both strategic thinking and assessment of who is an ally or an opponent.