Saint Petersburg (Second Edition) (2014) Board Game

Saint Petersburg is a city-building and economic board game that was first released in in 2014. The second edition, released in 2014, included updated artwork and components. Designed by Bernd Brunnhofer and Karl-Heinz Schmiel, the game is set in the 18th century during the time of Tsar Peter the Great’s rule over the city of Saint Petersburg.

Game Components of Saint Petersburg

Card decks (Worker, Market, Building, Noble, Exchange)

Symbol cards

Golden wooden tokens

Market tiles

Player tokens

Score track

Ruble (paper money)

Board

How To Setup Saint Petersburg

Setup involves choosing a side of the board, either with or without the Market phase, though playing with the Market is highly recommended. Players are dealt symbol cards, which may result in some players having two if there are fewer than five players. These cards are replaced with golden wooden tokens. Market tiles are stacked from smallest to largest above the Market track, and each player places a token on the bottom of each track. The decks are shuffled and placed on the board, with each player starting at zero on the score track and receiving 25 Rubles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting

Set Collection

Resource Management

Game Objective

Score the most points by collecting and playing cards strategically across five phases per round: Worker, Market, Building, Noble, and Exchange.

Buy cards at reduced costs if you already own similar cards.

Manage hand limits and play cards efficiently.

Score points for unique Nobles and convert leftover Rubles into points at the end.

Player Experience

Saint Petersburg is praised for its engaging gameplay and the constant feeling of progress. Players must manage their resources carefully, deciding when to take cards into their hand and when to play them. The game is particularly interesting with 2-3 players, where turn order manipulation and hate-drafting become key strategies. The hand limit of three cards adds a layer of complexity, requiring players to plan their moves meticulously.

Pros

Engaging gameplay with a mix of strategy and luck

Simple setup but deep gameplay mechanics

High replayability due to the random draw of cards

Suitable for players who enjoy resource management and card drafting

Cons

Hand limit can be punishing for inexperienced players

Some players may find the game too focused on resource management

Luck of the draw can sometimes limit strategic planning

Personal Thoughts on Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg (Second Edition) is ideal for players who enjoy card drafting and set collection games, particularly those who appreciate the intricacies of resource management. It’s a great choice for gamers looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s theme, set in 18th Century Russia, adds a unique historical context that enhances the overall gaming experience. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex storytelling or cooperative gameplay, it is an excellent addition to any collection of strategic card games.

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