Azul: Summer Pavilion (2019) Board Game

Azul: Summer Pavilion is the third installment in the Azul series of board games, following Azul and Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra. Designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Next Move Games in 2019, this abstract strategy game challenges players to create intricate patterns using colorful tiles.

Game Components of Azul: Summer Pavilion

Cardboard punch board with nine factory tiles and four scoring markers

High-quality green bag for tiles

Wooden markers for scoring and tracking rounds

Player boards with seven star patterns and special decorations (pillars, statues, windows)

Central bonus tile board

Bakelite tiles in six colors, with one color being wild each round

First player tile

How To Setup Azul: Summer Pavilion

Setup is straightforward. Each player takes a player board and a scoring marker in their matching color, placing the scoring marker on five on the bonus tile board. The round marker is set to round one, and the colored tiles are placed into the bag. The bonus market is filled with ten randomly drawn tiles. A number of factory tiles, based on the number of players, are placed in the center, each filled with four random tiles. The first player tile is placed in the center of the factory tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Duration: Lasts six rounds.

Drafting Phase: Players take turns drafting tiles from factories or the center of the table. Each round, one tile color is wild and must be taken if drafting from a location with wild tiles.

Placement Phase: Players take turns placing drafted tiles on their boards. Tiles have a cost to place, requiring a specific number of tiles to match the space’s number.

Scoring: Points are earned for placing tiles and for adjacent tiles in the same star pattern. Completing pillars, statues, or windows on the board earns immediate bonus tiles.

Carrying Over Tiles: Up to four tiles can be saved between rounds; excess tiles are discarded, resulting in a point penalty.

End Game: Bonus points are awarded for completely filled stars and for covering all spaces of certain values. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Azul: Summer Pavilion offers a more strategic and less punishing experience compared to the original Azul. The game introduces a turn-based placement phase, which adds depth and requires more thoughtful tile placement. This can make the game longer, typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, but it also enhances the decision-making process and the overall strategy.

Pros

Classic Azul Drafting: Familiar drafting mechanism with the added complexity of wild tiles.

High-Quality Components: Bakelite tiles, nice cardboard components, and a useful insert.

Strategic Depth: The turn-based placement phase and bonus tiles add significant strategy to the game.

Visual Appeal: The game’s design and artwork are pleasing.

Cons

Longer Playtime: The game can take up to 1.5 hours due to the turn-based placement phase.

Less Cut-Throat Interaction: Reduced opportunity for blocking other players compared to the original Azul.

Complexity in Placement: The need to wait for each player’s turn to place tiles can drag on the game.

Personal Thoughts on Azul: Summer Pavilion

Azul: Summer Pavilion is ideal for fans of strategic tile placement and pattern building games. It suits players who enjoy deeper gameplay mechanics and are willing to invest a bit more time into each game. While it may not be as quick or as confrontational as the original Azul, it offers a rich and satisfying experience that rewards thoughtful planning and execution. This game is particularly suited for those who appreciate the Azul series but are looking for a slightly different and more challenging experience.

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