San Marco (2001) – Board Game Guys

San Marco

San Marco is a board game designed by Alan R. Moon and Aaron Weissblum and published by Ravensburger in 2001. The game is set in Venice, and the title comes from the name of one of the city’s districts. The game is a majority-based area control game with a unique and empowering competitive method used for action selection.

Why is San Marco Popular?

San Marco is a popular game because of its innovative system in its card division. The game has won the Meeples’ Choice Award in 2001.

Game Components of San Marco

1 game board featuring a map of Venice

100 aristocrats (wood bits)

1 Doge figure

9 wooden discs

1 six-sided die

12 bridges

62 action cards (including District, Bridge, Transfer, Doge, and Banishment cards)

28 limit cards (numbered 1, 2, and 3)

1 rule book.

How To Setup San Marco

To set up the game, each player rolls the die four times, placing two aristocrats in the corresponding district of Venice each time. Players must ensure they are in at least two different districts. Each player then places one bridge connecting two districts. This initial setup results in each player having eight aristocrats and one bridge on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Card Distribution: Players take turns distributing cards into piles, which other players then choose from.

Area Control: Players place and move aristocrats and bridges to control different districts.

Card Drafting: Players use action cards to execute various actions like placing aristocrats, building bridges, and scoring regions.

Limit Cards: These cards determine the end of each passage and influence the game’s progression.

Game Objective:

The objective is to score the most points by building influence in the districts of Venice through strategic placement of aristocrats and bridges, and by effectively using action cards to outmaneuver opponents. The game is divided into three passages, each containing several turns, and the player with the most points at the end wins.

Player Experience

**San Marco** is fundamentally a social game, with a significant portion of the gameplay focused on the card distribution phase. Players spend time assessing card piles and predicting their opponents’ choices, which can sometimes lead to downtime. However, the actual gameplay on the board is relatively quick, with players concentrating on districts where they have a clear majority or where ownership is tightly contested. The game’s design encourages strategic thinking, especially in setting up opponents for disadvantageous choices during the card distribution phase.

Pros

Innovative Card Distribution: The “I split, you choose” mechanic adds a unique strategic layer to the game.

Strategic Depth: Players can use various methods to place and move aristocrats and bridges, offering real strategic possibilities.

Social Interaction: The game promotes kibitzing and social engagement among players.

Awards and Recognition: Winner of the Meeples’ Choice Award 2001 and the International Gamers Award 2002 for “Best multiplayer strategy game”.

Cons

Banishment Randomness: Banishment cards can be overly random, potentially wiping out a player’s efforts in a district.

King Making: Losing players can significantly influence the game’s outcome with strategic use of the Doge card towards the end.

Potential Downtime: The card selection phase can lead to downtime if players take too long to decide.

Personal Thoughts on San Marco

**San Marco** is ideally suited for players who enjoy strategic area control games with a strong social component. It is particularly recommended for three players, as this setup minimizes downtime and maximizes strategic interaction. The game appeals to those who appreciate innovative card distribution mechanics and are looking for a game that combines social interaction with deep strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer faster-paced or more action-oriented games, as the card distribution phase can be lengthy. Overall, **San Marco** is a solid, engaging game that offers a unique gaming experience for those who enjoy strategic planning and social gameplay.

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