Istanbul: The Dice Game (2017) Board Game

Istanbul: The Dice Game is a standalone dice game based on the popular board game Istanbul, designed by Rüdiger Dorn and published by Pegasus Spiele in in 2017. The game retains the setting of the original Istanbul game but simplifies the gameplay by using dice rolling mechanics.

Game Components of Istanbul: The Dice Game

Multi-colored dice representing players’ “assistants”

Mosque tiles providing special powers

Bazaar cards offering one-time bonuses

Resource tokens (goods)

Rubies and crystals

Small, sturdy game board

Player boards

Reference sheets

How To Setup Istanbul: The Dice Game

To set up the game, each player receives a set of dice and a player board. The mosque tiles, Bazaar cards, and resource tokens are placed within reach of all players. The game board is laid out, and the rubies and crystals are distributed according to the game’s initial setup rules. The game is relatively quick to set up, making it easy to start playing soon after opening the box.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine available actions.

Resource Management: Players manage resources (goods, money, and crystals) to achieve goals.

Engine Building: Players purchase mosque tiles to gain special powers.

Card Play: Bazaar cards provide one-time bonuses and additional resources.

Game Objective

Collect rubies by exchanging resources and using special powers from mosque tiles.

The game ends when one player collects a set number of rubies (typically six), triggering the final round.

Player Experience

Istanbul: The Dice Game offers a engaging and strategic experience despite its short playtime. Players must balance between collecting resources, purchasing mosque tiles for ongoing benefits, and using Bazaar cards for immediate boosts. The game rewards early strategic decisions and efficient use of limited actions, making each turn feel consequential.

Pros

Quick Setup and Play: The game is easy to set up and can be played within 20-40 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Offers meaningful decisions and a sense of engine building.

Colorful and Attractive Components: The game components, including the rubies and crystals, are visually appealing.

Easy to Learn: Simple to teach and learn, making it a great gateway game.

Replayability: Different strategies can be explored in each playthrough.

Cons

Randomness of Dice Rolls: The game involves a degree of luck due to the dice rolls.

Board Stability: The small board can be unstable with all the rubies on it, though this is a minor issue.

Personal Thoughts on Istanbul: The Dice Game

Istanbul: The Dice Game is perfect for those who enjoy quick, strategic games that pack a punch. It is ideal for game nights where time is limited but you still want a game with depth. This game is great for fans of gateway games like Splendor and Century: Spice Road, offering a fun and snappy experience with plenty of replay value. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn, yet challenging to master, Istanbul: The Dice Game is an excellent choice.

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