Alhambra (2003) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Alhambra is a board game created by Dirk Henn and was released in 2003 by Queen Games. The game is set in the medieval era and focuses on city building in the style of the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. With its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay, Alhambra has become a popular choice among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Alhambra

12 tokens, two for each of 6 colors

54 building tiles representing 6 different kinds of buildings (pavilions, manors, mezzanines, chambers, gardens, and towers)

6 identical starting tiles (Lion Fountains)

108 money cards in 4 different currencies (Denar, Dirham, Dukat, and Florin) with denominations ranging from 1 to 9

2 scoring cards to mark the scoring rounds

1 building market board

1 score track board

1 cloth bag to hold the building tiles

1 rule booklet.

How To Setup Alhambra

To set up the game, each player starts with a Lion Fountain tile, which serves as the starting point for their Alhambra. The building tiles are placed in a cloth bag, and a set number are drawn and placed on the building market board. The money cards are shuffled and placed face down on the currency market. Each player receives a reserve board to manage their tiles and currency cards. The scoring track and scoring cards are also prepared according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Actions: Each turn, a player can choose one of three actions: take money cards, buy and place a building tile, or redesign their Alhambra.
– Take money: Draw one or multiple money cards totaling five or less.
– Buy and place a tile: Purchase a building tile by discarding the exact amount of money required, with all cards being of the same currency as the space on the building market.
– Redesign: Move, add, or swap tiles in your Alhambra or reserve board.

Scoring: Scoring occurs in three rounds. The first round awards points to the player with the most tiles of a specific type. The second round awards points to the top two players with the most tiles of each type. The final round awards points to the top three players with the most tiles of each type. Additional points are awarded for the longest exterior wall segment.

Player Experience

Alhambra is known for its balanced mix of randomness and strategy. Players must manage their currency carefully to purchase and place tiles effectively. The game requires strategic planning, especially in managing the exterior walls to maximize points while maintaining flexibility for future tile placements. The game is generally easy to learn but offers enough depth for experienced players to optimize their strategies.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game has simple basic mechanics, making it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: The game offers a lot of room for optimization and strategic planning.

Balanced Gameplay: The balance between randomness and strategy keeps the game engaging.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a good option for family game nights.

Cons

Luck Factor: Especially with more players, the availability of tiles and money cards can introduce a significant element of luck.

Limited Direct Interaction: The game lacks direct involvement between players, which can make it less engaging at higher player counts.

Redesign Action: The redesign action is often less beneficial compared to taking money or buying tiles.

Personal Thoughts on Alhambra

Alhambra is an excellent choice for fans of tile placement and area-building games. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games with a good balance of randomness and strategy. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking high levels of direct interaction, it is a great introduction to more complex board games and remains enjoyable even after multiple plays. The game is highly recommended for its ease of learning, strategic depth, and the variety it offers, especially with the inclusion of expansions.

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