Capitol (2001) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Capitol is a board game designed by Claus Stephan and was released in 2001 by Schmidt Spiele. The game is set in ancient times and revolves around city building and area majority/influence mechanics. With a playtime of around 60 minutes, Capitol is suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Capitol

90 blocks (small wooden blocks representing building floors)

40 roofs (round or triangular, to complete buildings)

Building cards (allow players to take two floors)

Roof cards (allow players to complete buildings)

Permit cards (pink, blue, and purple, correlating to different sections of the board)

Fountain, amphitheater, and temple cards (for improvement phase)

Game board representing the Roman prefectures

How To Setup Capitol

To set up Capitol, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a hand of building, roof, and permit cards. The blocks, roofs, and improvement cards are placed within reach of all players. The game is divided into four rounds, each consisting of four phases.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Phases of the Game

Construction Phase: Players use building cards to take two floors, which can be added to incomplete buildings or used to create new ones. Roof cards are used to complete buildings, which are then placed on the board with a permit card.

Improvement Phase: A fast bidding phase where players can win fountains, amphitheaters, or temples.

Scoring Phase: Points are awarded to the first and second players in each of the nine areas on the board. Additional points are given if an area has a fountain, and all points are doubled if an area has a temple.

End Phase: Players draw six cards from the face-up stacks of building, roof, and permit cards. Extra cards can be drawn if an area has an amphitheater.

Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most points by strategically building and improving structures across the Roman prefectures over four rounds.

Player Experience

Capitol offers a dynamic and strategic experience, blending resource management with tactical building and improvement decisions. Players must balance their card usage, manage their resources efficiently, and outbid opponents to secure valuable improvements. The game’s quick phases and varied card interactions keep players engaged and planning several steps ahead.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines multiple mechanics like resource management, building, and auctioning.

Engaging Interactions: Fast-paced improvement phase and scoring system keep players active.

Historical Theme: Set in ancient Rome, adding a unique thematic layer.

Components: High-quality blocks and roofs enhance the gameplay experience.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple phases and card types.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay.

Setup Time: Preparing the game can take a bit of time due to the numerous components.

Personal Thoughts on Capitol

Capitol is ideal for players who enjoy strategic building and resource management games with a historical twist. It’s suitable for those familiar with German-style board games and looking for a game that offers depth without being excessively long. However, it may not be the best choice for new players or those seeking a quick, simple game. Overall, Capitol is a great addition to any board game collection for fans of strategic gameplay and historical themes.

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.