The Castles of Burgundy (2011) Board Game

The Castles of Burgundy is a strategy board game designed by Stefan Feld and published by alea in in 2011. It has gained popularity for its unique combination of dice rolling, tile placement, and resource management mechanics. The game is set in the 15th century, where players take on the roles of aristocrats building castles, farms, and mines in the region of Burgundy, France.

Game Components of The Castles of Burgundy

164 six-sided tiles

42 goods tiles

20 Silverlings (game’s currency)

30 worker tiles

12 bonus tiles

Victory point tiles

8 playing pieces

9 dice

1 game board

6 player boards

1 set of instructions.

How To Setup The Castles of Burgundy

To set up the game, each player receives a personal player board and a set of starting tiles. The main game board is placed in the center, and the supply of tiles, goods, and other components are organized accordingly. Players need to create face-down stacks of each color of tiles or use opaque bags to draw from, to ensure randomness. The game also includes various setup instructions to ensure all components are correctly placed before the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll two dice each turn to determine which actions they can take.

Tile Placement: Use the dice to pick up tiles from the supply or place previously claimed tiles onto the player’s board.

Worker Tiles: Workers can adjust dice rolls by adding or subtracting one.

Building and Trading: Engage in trading, livestock farming, city building, or scientific research to accumulate victory points.

Game Objective: The player with the most victory points at the end of the five rounds wins the game.

Player Experience

The Castles of Burgundy offers a dynamic player experience with a mix of simple turns and deep strategic gameplay. Initially, players focus on building their own estates, but as the game progresses, they must also pay attention to their opponents’ moves to deny them valuable tiles and maintain turn order. The game is accessible to new players while offering complex strategies for experienced gamers.

Pros

High Replay Value: Multiple paths to victory and varied player boards ensure no two games are alike.

Strategic Depth: Simple turns lead to complex strategic considerations.

Gateway Game: Easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a great introduction to Eurogames.

Historical Theme: Set in medieval France, adding an immersive element to the game.

Engaging for All Levels: Suitable for both casual and experienced players.

Cons

Iconography Issues: Some tile icons are small and hard to decipher, especially for new players.

Setup Inconveniences: Organizing tiles before the game can be tedious without opaque bags.

Dated Components: The game may look dated compared to newer releases, despite the colorful redesign.

Personal Thoughts on The Castles of Burgundy

The Castles of Burgundy is a classic that remains highly enjoyable even years after its release. It is ideal for fans of medium-weight Eurogames who appreciate strategic planning and tile placement mechanics. The game’s ability to cater to both new and experienced players makes it a versatile addition to any board game collection. While it may lack the flashy components of newer games, its depth and replay value ensure it remains a favorite among many board game enthusiasts.

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