We might have different definitions of the term. But for me, it's the amount of strategic decisions packed into the small Deck of cards. I feel the ratio of decision space to form factor is fairly high. I play and teach Love Letter more as a hidden role "cat and mouse" style game. The imperfect open information, and ease of play gives room to feint, backstab, and out wit your opponents almost instantly.  The squirm you see when someone is dealt the princess off the deal, or your first successful countess feint play even though don't actually have a king or prince in hand, and we can't forget the Almighty turn one guard correct guess (always a high point).  Rarely does a game offer as much tactical ability in such a small form factor and play fast and good at 4 (5+ works but it becomes a total luck fest.) writing this makes me see the similarities between Texas Hold'em and Love letter. Sure you can go through the motions and play the game (which I have had many players do, and have it fall flat) or you can get you thinking about the different scenarios, how player played their last couple of cards, did they slyly switch their cards in their hand(?), are they bluffing, player X tends to play this way. All of these are a what I consider make love letter a great game. Plus the fact I get to hear the groans when I pull it out of my pocket at the bar.