Kontor (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kontor is a city building board game that was released in in 1999. Designed by Michael Schacht and published by 999 Games, it is set in the Renaissance period and incorporates nautical elements. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a playing time of around 60 minutes. Players will engage in commodity speculation and area majority/influence mechanics as they compete to build the most successful trading empire.

Game Components of Kontor

Game board: Representing the harbor area of Amsterdam.

Tiles: Used for building new channels and storehouses.

Storehouses and cranes: Players’ assets to control trade areas.

Storage-administrators: Tokens for victory points.

Ship of the Amsterdam Harbour Control: Used in advanced rules to add complexity.

Scenario cards: For varying gameplay and additional challenges.

How To Setup Kontor

To set up the game, players start by creating the harbor area using tiles. Each player has their own set of storehouses and cranes. The tiles are placed to form different areas within the harbor, and players position their assets strategically to gain control over these areas.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players aim to dominate specific areas in the harbor by placing their storehouses and cranes.

Tile Placement: Building the harbor by placing tiles, which can include channels and storehouses.

Resource Management: Managing storage-administrators to maximize victory points.

Advanced Mechanics: The ship of the Amsterdam Harbour Control can be introduced to add a layer of complexity, allowing it to remove tiles and disrupt opponents’ plans.

Objective: The game ends when all tiles are used up, and the player with the most victory points, earned from their storage-administrators, wins.

Player Experience

**Kontor** is particularly well-suited for two players, offering a balanced and engaging game. The inclusion of advanced rules and scenarios adds variety and replayability, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy strategic planning and adaptive gameplay. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it accessible to players aged 12 and above.

Pros

Balanced Play: Designed to ensure fair competition between players.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and advanced rules provide a fresh experience each time.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and adaptability.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Cons

Limitation to Two Players: While it can accommodate up to four players in some scenarios, it is best enjoyed with two.

Complexity with Advanced Rules: The introduction of the Harbour Control ship can make the game more complex and may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Kontor

**Kontor** is an excellent choice for fans of strategic board games, particularly those who enjoy two-player matches. Its balanced mechanics and varied scenarios make it a game that can be played multiple times without losing its charm. It is ideal for players who like to plan carefully and adapt to changing circumstances, and it offers a unique historical setting that adds to its appeal. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, area control, and a touch of historical flair, **Kontor** is definitely worth considering.

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