7 Wonders Duel (2015) Board Game

7 Wonders Duel is a spin-off of the popular board game 7 Wonders, designed specifically for two players. It was released in 2015 by Repos Production and designed by Antoine Bauza and Bruno Cathala. The game retains many of the elements that made the original 7 Wonders successful, but has been adapted for a smaller player count and more strategic gameplay.

Game Components of 7 Wonders Duel

1 game board

23 Age I cards

23 Age II cards

20 Age III cards

7 Guild cards

12 Wonder cards

4 Military tokens

10 Progress tokens

1 Conflict pawn

31 coins (14 of value 1, 10 of value 3, and 7 of value 6)

1 score notepad

1 rulebook

1 game aid.

How To Setup 7 Wonders Duel

To set up the game, players separate the building cards by Age and create a “card board” display. This display features 20 cards, with 12 cards face-up and the rest face-down. Each player starts with four Wonder cards, and the game is ready to begin once the card board is set up. The player who was behind in the previous round (or randomly selected) starts the Age by taking one of the face-up cards from the card board, paying any necessary costs.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Selection: Players take cards from the card board, which is arranged in a specific pattern that changes with each Age.

Resource Management: Cards can be built, discarded for coins, or used to construct Wonders.

Military Supremacy: Advance the Conflict pawn towards your opponent’s capital by playing military cards. Reaching the capital wins the game immediately.

Scientific Supremacy: Build six different scientific symbols to win the game immediately.

Victory Points: If no player achieves supremacy, the game ends after three Ages, and the player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

**7 Wonders Duel** offers a tightly wound, strategic experience tailored for two players. Games are typically close, with decisions made in each turn significantly impacting the outcome. The card board display system adds a layer of planning and anticipation, as players must consider the potential consequences of their card choices on future turns. This game is perfect for those who enjoy deep strategy and competitive gameplay without the need for a large player base.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Each decision is critical and impactful on the game’s outcome.

Close Games: Most games are decided by just a few points, making each match engaging and competitive.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 30 minutes, making it a great fit for a quick but intense gaming session.

Immersive Theme: The game maintains the immersive ancient civilization theme from the original 7 Wonders.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed exclusively for two players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Complexity: While the game is streamlined for two players, it still retains some of the complexity of the original, which can be daunting for new players.

Personal Thoughts on 7 Wonders Duel

**7 Wonders Duel** is ideal for couples, friends, or any pair of gamers looking for a challenging and engaging two-player experience. It maintains the core mechanics of the original while introducing new strategies and challenges specific to a two-player setup. If you enjoy card drafting, resource management, and competitive gameplay, **7 Wonders Duel** is an excellent addition to your board game collection. However, for those seeking a game for larger groups, the original 7 Wonders or other expansions might be more suitable.

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