The board game Carcassonne stands as a modern classic in board gaming. Though the concept of laying tiles to construct the landscape of medieval France may seem simple, it has captivated a dedicated audience and inspired numerous expansions. While Carcassonne is family-friendly, its complexity makes it ideal for players aged seven and up. This opens the door to My First Carcassonne, a version tailored for children as young as four, allowing even the youngest players to join in on the fun.
We consider My First Carcassonne to be one of the best games for five year olds to play – don’t miss our full list and why!
The My First Carcassonne board game
About My First Carcassonne and the Medieval City?
My First Carcassonne is a tile-laying game, where players strategically place tiles to achieve specific objectives. Also known in different regions as Carcassonne Junior and Kids of Carcassonne, this version of the modern classic aims to make the game accessible to younger children, allowing them to enjoy the classic game much sooner.
In My First Carcassonne, players immerse themselves in a charming national holiday celebration in the city of Carcassonne. During this festive event, the city’s sheep, hens, and cows are let loose, and it’s up to the children to joyfully round them up. As a player, your goal is to close off specific streets marked with icons representing your color. This allows you to place your pawns on the board, also called meeples—wooden counters shaped like people. The first player to place all their pawns wins the game. Featuring vibrant art and whimsical illustrations, the game is perfect for capturing children’s attention.
My First Carcassonne has had a few different board game boxes, but the play remains the same
My First Carcassonne replaces the traditional score count with meeples, making it more accessible and enjoyable for younger players compared to the original Carcassonne. This adaptation ensures that all players feel like they’re contributing to the exploration of the city streets. Additionally, every tile in this version can match, reducing the need for complex strategizing as required in the original game. My First Carcassonne maintains the same core game design as the original Carcassonne, making it suitable for children while eliminating the need to count high scores.
Brief History of the Game
Released in 2009, My First Carcassonne was nominated for the Golden Geek Awards, presented by the esteemed Board Game Geek, for two consecutive years. Though it didn’t clinch the award, it remains the 50th highest-ranked children’s game on the site, as rated by gamers on Board Game Geek, with consistent high scores. (The top spot is held by Zombie Kids, which we’ve listed as one of the best games for seven-year-olds.)
Designed for two to four players aged four and up, My First Carcassonne was adapted for children by Marco Teubner, who also created My First Stone Age, Hibachi, and Dodo. The original Carcassonne was crafted by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede. This new version is a charming adaptation that continues to enchant young gamers worldwide. My First Carcassonne brings children into the world of Carcassonne by helping them catch animals and bring them back home in a fun tile placement game.
Our review of My First Carcassonne will explore the game’s rules and highlight why it is an ideal choice for young players.
Where does the term Meeple come from?
Did you know the link between Meeples and Carcassonne?
Here’s an interesting tidbit: the term meeple has become synonymous with board games today, but did you know it originated with Carcassonne? According to popular lore—though lacking solid evidence—a player coined the term by blending “My People” during a game of Carcassonne. Initially known as Followers in the game, the term “meeple” quickly spread and became a staple term among board game enthusiasts. In fact, the non-US publishers of Carcassonne, Hans im Glück, trademarked the term in 2019.
My First Carcassonne Rules
The rules for My First Carcassonne are straightforward and easy to grasp, and the setup takes only a few moments.
Players begin by selecting all the meeples of a chosen color. Their objective is to be the first to place all their pawns, as the player who does so wins the game. Next, they shuffle the tiles and position them within easy reach of everyone. Finally, they place a single tile in the center.
During each player’s turn, they will select a tile from the pile and place it adjacent to the one in the center. The tile must be positioned orthogonally adjacent to the central tile, not diagonally or at an angle, and it needs to align with an edge of the adjoining tile. These tiles feature roads and characters, similar to the original, but in My First Carcassonne, every tile can connect to any other, unlike in the original Carcassonne.
Connect the tiles to build the paths in My First Carcassonne
Thematically, the game sends players out to catch animals from dawn till dusk. These animals are represented by illustrations on the tiles of sheep, pigs, and cows loose, wandering the countryside. When a road or path is laid out and completed—whether by looping, closing with a structure, or connecting to itself—people mark their territory, by placing their meeples. This means that even if you didn’t close the road, you can still place some of those valuable meeples!
The final rule of the game states that if you run out of tiles before placing all your meeples—a rare but possible occurrence—the game concludes with the placement of the last tile. The winner is determined by who has the fewest meeples remaining. In the event of a tie, the tied players share the victory.
As the game progresses, the players place tiles and pawns to win the game.
While this summary captures the essence of the My First Carcassonne rules, there’s not much more to it. The rulebook itself, excluding the cover and thematic elements, consists of just one page for setup and another for gameplay instructions, complete with images and illustrations. In other words, it’s remarkably quick to learn!
Why play My First Carcassonne?
Our verdict on My First Carcassonne is clear: it’s a must-play with younger audiences. Here’s why:
My First Carcassonne allows players to experience building the city of Carcassonne, a tile placement game where children can immerse themselves in the medieval city. The game captures the vibrancy and enjoyment of this great city, making it an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
My First Carcassonne is more than tiles and meeples!
A Perfect Game for Younger Players
My First Carcassonne is a rare gem among board games, thoughtfully designed for younger players. Unlike many board games that either focus exclusively on education or are recommended for ages eight and up, this game offers a refreshing alternative. Typically, younger children have to team up with older players or adapt complicated games, often leading to frequent mistakes, or they end up playing less engaging games.
My First Carcassonne, however, grants full autonomy to younger players. The game is entirely icon-based, so there’s no need to read or count scores. There’s always a connection to be made, focusing turns on placement rather than choice. As children play, they naturally develop critical thinking skills related to where they place their tiles, without facing any negative consequences. This approach minimizes potential frustration for younger players while allowing older players to enjoy their own decision-making process.
Children’s games are often considered easy and sometimes even boring, but My First Carcassonne defies this stereotype.
My First Carcassonne paves the way for Carcassonne
My First Carcassonne introduces the beloved classic to a younger audience, combining enjoyment with critical thinking skill development. It lays the foundation for a future filled with more engaging games.
First, My First Carcassonne, then – Carcassonne!
It’s natural to want younger family members to share your enthusiasm for certain activities. If you enjoy the game Carcassonne, introducing it to them is a no-brainer. By simplifying a few aspects while preserving the same core game design that made the original a classic, children can play independently while adults enjoy the remaining elements. Carcassonne appeals to many gamers due to its numerous expansions and opportunities. In just a few short years, children will be ready to dive into the full version themselves.
Once children master games like My First Carcassonne, transitioning to more advanced hobby games becomes seamless, paving the way for further exploration.
My First Carcassonne is educational without trying
Many games foster critical thinking, particularly competitive ones where assessing situations and making informed decisions are key to winning. My First Carcassonne excels at this, offering not only critical thinking practice but also enhancing spatial awareness as players determine the best placement for their tiles. Such fundamental skills are crucial, and the game provides children with an opportunity to hone these abilities seamlessly.
Moreover, adults can introduce additional learning layers: counting meeples, identifying colors, and planning moves—without influencing the game’s outcome with a “right” answer. Thus, My First Carcassonne transforms from a simple board game into a valuable developmental tool, all while ensuring a fun experience.
Conclusion: An Accessible Introduction To Tile Laying
My First Carcassonne is an exemplary board game for introducing younger children to the joys of tabletop gaming. Its simplified yet engaging mechanics make it an ideal choice for sparking critical thinking and spatial awareness in a fun and pressure-free environment. Not only does it provide a seamless pathway to more complex games like the original Carcassonne, but it also fosters a shared family experience where both children and adults can enjoy quality time together. By effortlessly blending education and entertainment, My First Carcassonne stands out as a must-have for families wanting to cultivate a love for board gaming amongst their youngest members.
Where to buy My First Carcassonne?
My First Carcassonne is readily available at local game stores and online. You can easily find a copy on Amazon using our affiliate link below:
FAQ
Is My First Carcassonne suitable for very young children?
Yes, My First Carcassonne is designed specifically for younger children. The game mechanics are simplified so that even those who cannot yet read or do basic arithmetic can join in the fun. Everything is icon-based, making it highly accessible.
How many players can participate in My First Carcassonne?
My First Carcassonne can be played by 2 to 4 players. It’s an excellent choice for family game nights or a small group of children who want to engage in a fun and educational activity.
How long does a typical game of My First Carcassonne take?
A typical game lasts about 20-30 minutes, making it an ideal length for younger players who may have shorter attention spans. This also makes it easy to fit in multiple games in one session.
Does My First Carcassonne require adult supervision?
While the game is designed to be simple enough for children to play on their own, adult supervision or participation can enhance the gaming experience. Adults can help explain the rules to one or more children and provide guidance, making it a fun family activity.
Can My First Carcassonne help in child development?
Absolutely. My First Carcassonne brings children together to develop critical thinking and spatial awareness. It also promotes skills such as turn-taking, patience, and the ability to follow simple rules. The game combines fun with learning, making it a fantastic educational tool.
Is there a difference between My First Carcassonne and the Original Carcassonne?
Yes, My First Carcassonne is tailored for younger players with simplified rules and a focus on ease of play. However, it retains much of the charm and strategic elements of the original Carcassonne, serving as an excellent gateway to more complex board games.
Can My First Carcassonne be expanded like the original Carcassonne?
My First Carcassonne is a standalone game designed to be complete on its own, with no additional expansions. However, it serves as an excellent introduction if you plan to transition to the original Carcassonne and its various expansions later on.