Alhambra (2003) – Board Game Guys

Alhambra

“Alhambra” is a 2003 tile-based German-style board game designed by Dirk Henn. It is set during the construction of the Alhambra palace in 14th century Granada and is an Arabian-themed update of the 1998 stock trading board game “Stimmt So!”. The game was originally published in Germany by Queen Games in a language-interdependent version, with an English-specific version released in North America by the now-defunct Überplay. Upon its release, Alhambra won numerous awards, including the Spiel des Jahres award.

Why is Alhambra Popular?

Alhambra is a popular game because it is accessible, engaging, and offers a unique theme. It is often suggested as a gateway game for new players due to its simple rule set and enjoyable gameplay. The game revolves around a core rule set, making it easy to learn and teach to others.

Game Components of Alhambra

Currency cards: Four different currencies, each with various values.

Building tiles: 54 tiles of six types, including towers, gardens, pavilions, and more.

Boards: Currency market, building market, reserve board for each player, and a scoring track.

Fountain tiles: One given to each player as the starting point of their Alhambra.

Scoring cards: Used for scoring points based on building types.

Optional expansions: Such as “The Vizier’s Favor,” “The Bureau de Change,” and “The Worker’s Hut”.

How To Setup Alhambra

To set up Alhambra, each player starts with a fountain tile as the base of their Alhambra complex. The currency market and building market are filled according to the rules. Each player receives a reserve board, and the scoring track is prepared. The building tiles are placed in a bag, and the scoring cards are shuffled and placed within the currency deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draw currency cards from the open money market.

Hand Management: Players manage their currency cards to purchase buildings.

Set Collection: Players collect and place building tiles to score points.

Tile Placement: Building tiles must be placed to maintain connectivity and avoid creating “holes” within the Alhambra complex.

Exact Change Mechanic: Purchasing a building with exact change allows for an additional turn.

Scoring Phases: Points are awarded for dominant building types and the longest external wall during multiple scoring rounds.

Player Experience

Playing Alhambra involves a blend of strategy and luck. Players must balance the acquisition of currency cards with the strategic placement of building tiles to maximize their score. The game rewards efficient players who can make exact purchases and plan their Alhambra’s layout carefully. The experience can be engaging and challenging, especially with the dynamic market that changes with each turn.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game combines resource management and tile placement strategy.

Replayability: The random draw of currency cards and building tiles ensures different gameplay each time.

Family and Adult Appeal: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a versatile game for families and adults.

Aesthetic and Functional Buildings: The variety of buildings offers different gaming advantages and scoring opportunities.

Cons

Length with More Players: The game can drag with 5-6 players, especially if most are new players.

Tactical Complexity: With more players, the game becomes highly tactical and less strategic.

Component Quality: Some users find the colors of the building tiles too dark and not contrasting enough.

Personal Thoughts on Alhambra

Alhambra is ideal for those who enjoy strategic tile placement and resource management games. It is particularly suited for 2-3 players, where the game maintains its balance of strategy and luck. For larger groups, the game can become too tactical and less enjoyable. Despite being released in 2003, Alhambra remains a classic that still appeals to many board game enthusiasts due to its engaging gameplay and the revised edition’s improved visuals.

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.