Maya (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Maya is a board game released in 2019, designed by Denis Martynets and published by White Goblin Games. It is a territory-building game that accommodates 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game is set in the ancient Maya civilization, where players compete to control territories and build temples.

Game Components of Maya

Tiles: Representing different goods such as corn, squash, potatoes, and peppers.

City Tiles: Played face-down to grow cities.

Temple Tiles: Mark the start of new cities.

Player Tokens: Each player has their own set of tokens.

Game Board: Represents the map of the Yucatán Peninsula.

How To Setup Maya

To set up Maya, players section off areas of the map based on the number of players. For three players, two areas are sectioned off, while for four players, the entire map is used. Each player starts with a pool of tokens and a hand limit of seven tiles. The remaining tiles are placed face down on designated areas of the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Laying: Players add tiles face-up to the board, adjacent to existing tiles.

City Growth: Players can play city tiles face-down to grow cities, allowing them to draw new tiles.

Scoring: Players score points by surrounding cities with their tokens; the player with the most tokens around a city gets the highest score.

Temple Placement: Tiles adjacent to temple locations trigger the placement of a temple tile.

Hand Limit: Players can only hold a maximum of seven tiles; drawing new tiles is possible by growing scoring opportunities.

Player Experience

Maya offers a family-friendly, yet strategically engaging experience. Players must constantly make tough choices and keep an eye on their opponents’ moves. The game has a simple and straightforward ruleset, making it accessible to a wide range of players. However, the game’s depth comes from the tactical decisions players must make to optimize their tile placements and city expansions.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to jump in.

Tactical Depth: Requires strategic thinking to optimize tile placements.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children looking for more challenging board games without complex rules.

Engaging Mechanics: The game’s cadence keeps players engaged and attentive to their opponents.

Cons

Luck Element: The tiles drawn can introduce an element of luck, affecting gameplay.

Limited Automatic Tile Draw: Players must grow cities to draw new tiles, which can limit their options if not managed well.

Personal Thoughts on Maya

Maya is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a game that offers a mix of simplicity and strategic depth. It is particularly appealing to children who want to play more challenging board games without being overwhelmed by complex rules. The game’s charm and throwback design make it a delightful addition to any board game collection. With a 7 out of 10 rating from reviewers, Maya is a game that should be considered by anyone looking for a light, yet engaging, tile-laying experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.