Timbuktu (1993) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Timbuktu is a board game that was designed by Dirk Henn and released in 1993 by Queen Games. It is a deduction and economic game that requires players to use hand management, memory, and simultaneous action selection in order to outwit their opponents and become the wealthiest merchant in the legendary city of Timbuktu.

Game Components of Timbuktu

Game board

Money cards

Goods cards

Camel tokens

Building tiles

Player tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Timbuktu

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the money and goods cards and place them face down on their respective spaces on the board.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player token and camel tokens.

Randomly determine the start player and give them the starting player token.

Place the building tiles in a stack within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Timbuktu, players take on the role of merchants trying to amass wealth by trading goods, hiring camels, and building lucrative buildings in the city. The game is played over several rounds, with each round consisting of three phases: trading, camel market, and building.

The objective of the game is to have the most money at the end of the game, which is determined by the value of goods you have in your possession, the number of camels you own, and the income generated by your buildings.

Player Experience

Pros

Strategic depth and replayability.

Engaging gameplay that requires both planning and adaptability.

Beautiful artwork and quality components.

Suitable for a wide range of players, from casual gamers to more experienced ones.

Cons

Can be overwhelming for new players due to the number of rules and mechanics.

Some luck involved in card draws and camel market fluctuations.

Personal Thoughts on Timbuktu

Overall, Timbuktu is a solid game that offers a good mix of strategy and player interaction. The build quality is excellent, and the artwork is beautifully done. While the game may not be suitable for everyone due to its complexity, it is definitely worth a try for those who enjoy deduction and economic games. The pricing and availability of both new and used copies are reasonable, making it accessible to a wide audience.

For those who enjoy games like Splendor or Century: Spice Road, Timbuktu offers a similar experience with its focus on resource management and building wealth. However, for players who prefer lighter, more luck-based games, Timbuktu may not be the best choice. Ultimately, whether or not Timbuktu is worth your time depends on your gaming preferences and willingness to learn and master its intricate mechanics.

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.