By: Queen Games Players: 2-6 Ages: 8+ Time: 30-45 minutes
At the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, one of the most exciting and interesting projects of the Spanish Middle Ages begins: the construction of the Alhambra with the best master builders ensuring the proper construction of various structures.
Players engage in construction projects by acquiring buildings to be placed within their Alhambra complex.
Players strive to create the largest complex they can by purchasing buildings from the market and constructing them in such a way that they create the longest external wall
Utilize strategy, smarts, and perfect timing to maximise your score by erecting the right buildings at the right time
What Is Alhambra Tile Laying Game?
Alhambra was created in 2003 and designed by Dirk Hen. Set in 14th-century Spain, the game focuses on the construction of the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Upon its release, Alhambra won numerous awards, including the ‘Spiel des Jahres’ (Game of the Year) award, and has seen numerous expansions and spin-offs.
Alhambra is a tile laying game where players will purchase and position their tiles (representing different kinds of buildings) in a specific way in order to gain points each turn. There are specific rules to constructing the Alhambra and scoring varies from turn to turn, so players need to utilize strategy, forward-thinking, and some luck in order to be declared the winner. The game includes scoring phases where players with the most buildings in each of the six building types in their Alhambra score, and points are awarded for the players’ longest external ‘wall’ section within their complex.
Set-Up: Building Market
Each player starts with a fountain tile. This serves as the central tile for each player and their Alhambra’s are constructed around it. The game board is made up of several different sections. Around the edge of the board is a counting row which is used to keep track of everyone’s score. Players take a token and place it on zero. The building market area on the board is used to purchase tiles and consists of four spaces, each representing the four different kinds of currency in the game. At the start of the game, all tiles are placed in a bag and four are randomly chosen and placed on the market area squares. Each tile will then be associated with a particular type of currency. The game ends when the building market can no longer be replenished from the building tile supply. Players will then take money cards from a face-down pile until the total amount in their starting hand is at least 20. Four cards are then placed face up in an area on the game board next to the market. The remaining money cards are placed face down in a deck for later.
How To Play Alhambra Board Game:
On a player’s turn, they may take one of three actions:
· Take money
· Buy and position a building tile, acquiring buildings for their Alhambra
· Redesign the Alhambra
If a player does not have enough money to purchase a tile they can instead take any one of the four money cards lying face-up on the board. Alternatively, a player can take more than one card as long as the total value is no more than 5. These money cards will be one of four colors (blue, green, orange, and yellow) and display varying amounts. If a player takes more than one card they can be the same or different colors. Any cards that are taken are replaced immediately.
If a player has enough of the correct currency, they can purchase a building tile. Each tile will have a price listed on it and players will need to have at least that number in the currency the tile is placed next to in the market area. If a player overshoots and pays more than the tile’s value they can still collect it but will receive no change. Any money used towards purchasing a tile is discarded afterwards. If a player is able to pay the exact amount the tile is worth, then they may take another turn and can choose from the above three options once again. The game rewards efficiency by giving players an extra turn when they pay the exact amount. If a player is exceptionally lucky, they may be able to purchase multiple tiles on one turn. However, building tiles are only replaced at the end of a player’s turn, so there is a limit to how many a player may purchase.
When placing a tile, there are certain rules that dictate how an Alhambra can be structured. Tiles must all face the same way (all roofs pointing up), adjoining tiles sides must match, each building must be accessible and not be blocked by a wall, each tile must be joined to the Alhambra by at least one side, and there mustn’t be any spaces. If for any reason a tile is purchased but doesn’t fit in with these rules, it can instead be placed in a reserve area.
When redesigning an Alhambra, players may take a tile they placed in the reserve area earlier and add it to their complex. Alternatively, a tile may be removed from the Alhambra entirely if the player wishes. Tiles may also be exchanged between the Alhambra and the reserve area. All the above rules must apply when making any changes to the layout. After a player has taken one of these actions, play moves to the next player.
At some point, players will uncover two scoring cards in the money deck. Each building tile will have a number of dots on it to indicate which type of building it is. The scoring card will then indicate how many points these buildings are worth, but only the player with the most of that particular type of building will score any points. The second scoring card will grant points to the runner-up as well. Players will also score points if they have the longest joined wall around their Alhambra. This is represented by a bold, black line and each side of the tile counts towards this total. Players will then move their tokens around the scoring tracker to show how many points they have. Scoring occurs three times during the game, with later scoring rounds awarding points to the players with the second and third most tiles of a certain type, adding depth to the gameplay.
The end of the game comes when there are not enough tiles left in the bag to bring the total on the board up to four. At this point one final scoring round takes place and works in a similar way to the first two. Whoever ends this scoring round with the highest score is the winner.
Alhambra utilizes a mix of luck and strategy in it’s mechanics. Understanding how to position tiles and being savvy with which ones are collected is important, but so is being flexible in your approach. With both the tiles and money being chosen randomly, players never know exactly what’s coming, so being adaptable and changing your approach on the fly is important in securing victory. Especially as you never know when the scoring cards will pop up during the game!
Final Verdict
Alhambra is a terrific game and, in my opinion, balances the depth of strategy excellently. Utilizing tactics and having a plan is critical to succeed, but there aren’t so many moving parts that it puts off casual gamers. Likewise, it isn’t as long as some strategy games out there so it’s easy to polish off a game within an hour. The artwork is great and keeps in line with the theme of the game perfectly. The inclusion of master builders, who demonstrate their skill in constructing towers, gardens, and pavilions, adds to the thematic experience of the game. It’s an entertaining game for sure and well worth your time.
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While it’s great for adults, families and teens, we recommend this game specifically on our list of Board Games for Nine Year Olds, so if you are interested in other games in that age range check out that article.
Summary
Great artwork
Strategic gameplay
Straightforward rule
Not overly long
Expansions to vary gameplay
Scoring rounds are significant, with points awarded for the most tiles of a certain type, the longest exterior wall, and final scoring at the end of the game
If You Liked This:
If you enjoyed Alhambra, here are some other games we’re sure you’ll like playing just as much:
Splendor: Become the richest and most influential jewellery merchant. Players vie for control of gem mines, trade routes, and storefronts in order to master the art of gem trade and attract the attention of nobles.
Azul: A tile placing game where players create the most beautiful patterns possible. Each turn players will collect tiles from the market and lay them on their board. Well-crafted components and great gameplay make this award-winning game a must-have.
Read our Full Azul review here
Jaipur: Try to prove your worth as the best merchant in India. Purchase goods then exchange them for rupees. The more matching goods you can sell will get you more bonuses, but certain wares are worth more in general, so knowing what to sell and when is crucial.
Cascadia: A tile laying and token drafting game featuring wildlife from the United States. Take turns building terrain and populating it with different animals. Expand your ecosystem and score points by achieving a variety of goals in this puzzle like board game.
Lisboa: Utilizing card drafting, hand management and tile placing make this game very similar to Alhambra. Focusing on rebuilding Lisboa after an earthquake in 1755, players need to use the right tiles to restore the city to it’s former glory.
FAQ
Q: What is the primary objective of Alhambra?
A: The primary objective of Alhambra is to have the highest score at the end of the game. Players achieve this by strategically purchasing and placing building tiles to construct the most impressive Alhambra, while scoring the most points from having majorities in building types and the longest contiguous wall. Additionally, players engage in construction and re-construction projects, acquiring and placing buildings within their Alhambra complex to optimize their scoring potential.
Q: How many players can play Alhambra?
A: Alhambra can be played by 2 to 6 players. The game scales well with different numbers of players, offering a competitive and engaging experience regardless of the player count.
Q: How long does a game of Alhambra typically last?
A: A game of Alhambra typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, making it a relatively quick strategy game suitable for both casual and seasoned players.
Q: Are there any expansions available for Alhambra?
A: Yes, there are several expansions available for Alhambra. These expansions introduce new elements and mechanics to the game, providing additional variety and replayability.
Q: Can you explain the scoring system in Alhambra?
A: Scoring in Alhambra occurs at three distinct points in the game: twice during the game when scoring cards are drawn, and once at the end of the game. Players score points based on the majority they hold in various building types and the length of their continuous wall. The player with the most points after the final scoring wins the game.
Q: What sets Alhambra apart from other tile-laying games?
A: Alhambra’s blend of strategic depth and luck, combined with its accessible rules and engaging gameplay, sets it apart. The game’s unique scoring system, random tile and money drawing mechanics, and the importance of flexibility in strategy make it a standout in the tile-laying genre.