Amsterdam (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Amsterdam, the board game, was released in 2022 by a team of designers including Christian Fiore, Klemens Franz, Patricia Limberger, and Andreas Resch. The game is set in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and bustling markets. Players take on the role of merchants navigating the city’s network of canals and streets to collect goods and build their trade empire.

Game Components of Amsterdam

Cards (District Maps, Craftsmen, Buildings)

Dice

Cubes (various colors)

Market tiles

Coins

Player boards and wind roses

Blocks and Districts of Amsterdam

Expansion packs (including secret objective cards, black market, and Market tiles)

Rulebook and Addendum.

How To Setup Amsterdam

To set up *Amsterdam*, players begin by drafting cards from three specific decks: District Maps, Craftsmen, and Buildings. Each round, a specific number of cards from each deck are drawn to form the available pool for drafting. Players then receive their starting coins and set up their player boards. The game area is organized with the various warehouses, the Amstel River, and the city blocks. The Market tiles are placed according to the rules, providing various benefits and prestige gains.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards from the display at the start of each round.

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice and choose two of them to determine which color cubes they receive and how long they must wait to use them.

Cube Usage: Cubes are used to perform various actions such as building, crafting, and managing resources.

Market Tiles: These tiles provide prestige and other benefits like free movement up the Amstel River.

Expansions: Include features like secret objective cards, black market interactions, and city block management.

Game Objective: The goal is to earn the most victory points by efficiently using resources, completing objectives, and managing the city blocks and Market tiles.

Player Experience

Playing *Amsterdam* feels familiar yet fresh for those who have played *Macao*. The game is structured over twelve rounds, each round offering new challenges and opportunities. Players must balance cube management, card drafting, and resource optimization to achieve their goals. The game introduces new features like the black market and secret objectives, which add layers of complexity and strategy. The language-independent design, supported by a detailed Addendum, helps players navigate the game’s intricacies even in the early games.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple paths to victory.

Innovative Mechanics: Introduces new features like Market tiles and the black market, enhancing gameplay.

Replayability: Multiple expansions and variable setup ensure high replayability.

Thematic Depth: The game’s setting in 19th-century Amsterdam adds a historical and thematic layer to the game.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game requires significant time to learn due to its complex rules and numerous components.

Iconography Issues: Some card iconography is not immediately intuitive, requiring frequent reference to the Addendum.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components and expansions.

Personal Thoughts on Amsterdam

*Amsterdam* is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy deep strategic games with multiple layers of complexity. It is particularly suited for fans of *Macao* who are looking for a fresh take on familiar mechanics. While it may not be the best choice for new gamers due to its steep learning curve, it offers a highly rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to master it.

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