Marrakech (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Marrakech is a board game that was released in 2007 and designed by Dominique Ehrhard. The game is set in the vibrant and bustling city of Marrakech, known for its colorful markets and lively atmosphere. Players take on the role of rug traders, competing to have the most successful business in the city.

Game Components of Marrakech

A 7×7 grid game board

Colorful felt carpet pieces (each carpet takes up two squares)

A six-sided die

Assam, the rug market owner pawn

Dirhams (game coins)

Player-specific carpet stacks.

How To Setup Marrakech

To set up Marrakech, lay out the 7×7 grid board within easy reach of all players. Place Assam in the center square. Each player collects all the carpets of their chosen color/pattern and receives 30 Dirhams. Select a starting player and give them the six-sided die.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: Decide whether to turn Assam 90º to the right or left, then roll the die to determine how many spaces Assam moves.

Movement: Assam can move along the board and if he goes off the edge, he follows the curved entryway back onto the board.

Carpet Placement: After moving Assam, the player must place one of their carpets on any of the eight squares surrounding Assam or in a straight line ahead, behind, or to the right or left.

Payment: If Assam lands on an opponent’s carpet, the opponent is paid in Dirhams equal to the number of connected carpet squares.

Scoring: Players score points for each Dirham earned and for each square of exposed carpet at the end of the game.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by strategically placing carpets and avoiding overlaps that reduce scoring.

Player Experience

Marrakech starts off relatively straightforward but becomes more engaging as the game progresses and the board fills up with carpets. The game is best with 3-4 players, as the two-player variant can feel less dynamic. Players appreciate the simple rules and the strategic depth that emerges as the game unfolds. The game is particularly enjoyable as a filler game, lasting under 20 minutes, and offers a good balance of luck and strategy.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to children and adults alike.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last under 20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game offers meaningful strategic decisions.

Quality Components: The game features durable, colorful felt carpet pieces and a well-designed board.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 6 and up.

Cons

Limited Depth for Experienced Players: Some reviewers find the game lacks sufficient complexity for long-term engagement.

Board Size: The 7×7 grid can feel too large in the early stages of the game.

Two-Player Variant: Requires each player to manage two types of carpets, which can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Marrakech

Marrakech is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a quick, fun, and strategic game. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy area control games and are looking for something easy to learn but challenging to master. While it may not offer the depth that experienced gamers crave, it is an excellent addition to any game collection for its simplicity, colorful components, and engaging gameplay.

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