Thurn and Taxis (2006) Board Game

Thurn and Taxis is a board game that was released in in 2006. It is set in the post-Napoleonic era and focuses on the transportation system developed by the Thurn and Taxis family in Germany. The game designers, Andreas and Karen Seyfarth, aimed to create a game that incorporated elements of hand management, network and route building, open drafting, and set collection.

Game Components of Thurn and Taxis

Board: A map of southern Germany and nearby areas, divided into nine provinces and five regions, with 22 cities and a network of roads.

City Cards: 66 cards representing cities, which players draw and play to form routes.

Markers (Houses): 20 wooden houses for each player to mark cities on the board.

Bonus Tiles: 30 tiles for scoring bonus points.

Summary Cards: For tracking player progress.

Rules Booklet: Includes historical facts about the Thurn and Taxis postal service.

Special Power Cards: Representing officials like the Postmaster, Administrator, Postal Carrier, and Cartwright, each with unique abilities.

How To Setup Thurn and Taxis

Setup involves placing the board in the middle of the playing area, shuffling and dealing the city cards, and distributing the markers (houses) to each player. Each player starts with a set of markers and a hand of city cards. The game board is marked into provinces and regions, which are crucial for scoring.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Route Building: Players draw and play city cards to form continuous routes along the roads on the board.

Area Control: Marking cities in different provinces and regions to score points.

Variable Player Powers: Using special abilities from official cards to manipulate card draws and plays.

Game Objective

Build Postal Routes: Form routes by playing city cards, connecting cities along roads on the board.

Score Points: Earn points for the length of routes, marking all cities in regions, and completing target route lengths.

Place Markers: Place markers on cities to mark post offices, with bonuses for completing regions and provinces.

Player Experience

Thurn and Taxis offers a blend of strategic thinking and luck. Players must carefully plan their routes, manage their hand of city cards, and use special powers effectively. The game is praised for its simple yet engaging rules, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. However, the game can become tense towards the end, as players navigate limited card supplies and compete to complete their routes.

Pros

Engaging Theme: Historical theme based on the Thurn and Taxis postal service, appealing to history buffs and geography enthusiasts.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy-to-understand rules with deep strategic possibilities.

Visually Appealing: Beautiful artwork and durable components.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last 45-60 minutes, with swift turns.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: Direct player interaction is minimal, though observing other players’ moves is crucial.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay, leading to frustration if desired cards do not appear.

Complexity in Rules: While the basic rules are simple, some aspects can be convoluted or unintuitive for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Thurn and Taxis

Thurn and Taxis is an excellent choice for those who enjoy route-building and area control games without the complexity of heavier titles. It is suitable for families and casual gamers who appreciate historical themes and strategic gameplay. The game’s balance of luck and skill makes it appealing to a wide range of players, from novices to experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking high levels of direct player interaction or a highly competitive environment.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.