Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar (2012) Board Game

Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar is a board game designed by Simone Luciani and Daniele Tascini, and published by Czech Games Edition in in 2012. The game is set in the ancient Mayan civilization and revolves around the intricacies of the Mayan calendar system. Players take on the roles of tribal leaders striving to develop their tribes by managing resources, constructing buildings, and appeasing the gods to earn favor.

Game Components of Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar

Large, colorful board with interlocked rotatable cogs (gears)

Worker markers for each player

Resource cubes (wood, stone, gold)

Corn disks (used as currency and for feeding workers)

Blue crystal skulls

Starting Wealth tokens

Monuments and Buildings cards

Technology Tracks and god Tracks markers

Central Tzolk’in gear

How To Setup Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar

To set up the game, first, assemble the board from the four puzzle pieces. Position each of the six gears in their correct spaces. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding worker markers. Place one flat marker on each of the three god Tracks and four Technology Tracks. Place three taller markers in front of you, keeping the others within reach. Set out the resource cubes, blue crystal skulls, and corn disks. Deal out the Monuments and Buildings cards below their respective tracks. Each player receives four Starting Wealth tokens, keeps two, and returns the others to the box.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dynamic Worker Placement: Players place or remove workers on the gears.

Resource Management: Manage resources (wood, stone, gold) and corn.

Turn Order: Claim Action: Actions are taken based on the position of the workers on the gears.

End Game Bonuses: Points are awarded at the end of the game.

Game Objective

Score the most points by:
– Placing blue skulls on the Chichen Itza wheel
– Climbing the god Tracks (scored twice during the game)
– Exchanging remaining resources for points at the end of the game

Player Experience

**Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar** is a complex and challenging game that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. Players must balance placing workers to gain resources and actions with the need to feed their workers with corn. The unique time track mechanic, where the central gear and connected gears rotate, adds depth to the gameplay. Players need to think several moves ahead, managing resources, advancing on Technology Tracks, and pleasing the gods to maximize their score.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player powers ensure high replayability.

Engaging Mechanics: The dynamic worker placement and rotating gears create a engaging and challenging experience.

Thematic Integration: The game theme is well-integrated with the mechanics, enhancing the overall experience.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Can be complex and difficult to learn for new players.

Resource Management Stress: Managing corn and other resources can be stressful, especially during feeding days.

No Solo or Cooperative Play: Best suited for groups of two to four players.

Personal Thoughts on Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar

**Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar** is ideal for experienced gamers who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. It offers a rich and rewarding experience with multiple paths to victory, making it a great choice for those who appreciate deep strategy and resource management. However, it may not be the best fit for new players or those looking for a casual gaming experience.

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