Azul

Introduction & History

Azul is a visually striking and highly popular abstract strategy board game that was first released in 2017. Designed by Michael Kiesling, a renowned game designer, Azul draws inspiration from Moorish art, specifically the stunning ceramic tiles known as “azulejos” that decorate the Royal Palace of Evora in Portugal. Azul has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2018. It is known for its elegant gameplay, beautiful components, and broad appeal among casual and experienced gamers alike.

Game Overview

• Publisher: Plan B Games
• Designer: Michael Kiesling
• Release Year: 2017
• Number of Players: 2 to 4 players
• Playtime: 30 to 45 minutes
• Ages: 8+
• Mechanics: Tile drafting, pattern building, set collection
• Complexity: Medium-light

How to Play

Objective

The objective of Azul is to decorate a palace wall with beautiful tiles in a strategic and aesthetically pleasing way, earning points based on how the tiles are arranged.

Setup

1. Each player receives a personal game board that represents a wall.
2. The game board has a grid where players will place their tiles and five pattern lines.
3. Tile factories (small cardboard circles) are set up in the center of the table, and tiles are randomly drawn from a bag to fill each factory.
4. The first player marker is given to the player who most recently visited Portugal.

Gameplay

1. Tile Drafting: Players take turns drafting tiles from the central factories or the middle of the table. Each time a player takes tiles, they must take all tiles of one color from a factory and push the remaining tiles to the center.
2. Placing Tiles: Once tiles are drafted, they are placed in the player’s pattern lines, which are adjacent to the grid where they aim to complete their wall. A player can only place tiles in one row at a time.
3. Wall Tiling Phase: At the end of each round, completed rows in the pattern lines allow players to move one tile to the corresponding position on the wall. Points are earned based on adjacent tiles.
4. Scoring: Players score points for completing rows, columns, and special patterns, as well as for tiles adjacent to other tiles. However, they lose points for unused tiles.
5. End of the Game: The game ends when at least one player completes a full row on their wall. The player with the highest score wins.

Details

Azul comes with high-quality components, including beautifully crafted resin tiles that are colorful and tactile, making the game visually appealing and engaging to play. The game also includes a cloth bag for drawing tiles, scoring markers, and player boards.

Variations of the Game

Azul has several spin-offs and expansions that introduce new mechanics and variations:

1. Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra: This version introduces glass window panels instead of ceramic tiles, adding a new level of challenge with different scoring systems.
2. Azul: Summer Pavilion: A more strategic variation where players place diamond-shaped tiles to form pavilions, giving players more freedom in how they place tiles.
3. Azul: Queen’s Garden: A more complex version with hexagonal tiles and garden-building mechanics that add layers of depth.

Strategy Tips

• Plan Ahead: Always consider which tiles you will need in future turns and try to block your opponents by taking tiles they need.
• Balance: Don’t focus solely on completing rows or columns—mix strategies to earn points from multiple areas.
• Avoid Penalties: Manage your tiles carefully to avoid accumulating penalty points from unused tiles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stunning visual design and components
• Simple rules, but deep strategic gameplay
• Scales well for different player counts
• Short playtime makes it a great filler game

Cons

• May feel repetitive after several plays
• Some players may find the strategy too light

Who Will Enjoy This Game?

Azul is perfect for those who enjoy abstract strategy games that combine simple rules with deep strategic planning. It appeals to both casual gamers who are drawn to its beautiful components and seasoned board gamers looking for a light yet engaging challenge. The game is family-friendly, making it an excellent choice for mixed-age groups.

Recommended Age Groups

While the game is listed as suitable for ages 8 and up, even younger players with an understanding of patterns and basic counting can enjoy the game with some guidance. Azul works well for families, casual game nights, and even strategy enthusiasts looking for a light game between heavier ones.

Similar Games

If you enjoy Azul, you might also like:

• Sagrada: Another beautiful tile-placement game that revolves around creating stained glass windows.
• Splendor: A strategic card and resource management game with simple rules and deep strategies.
• Reef: A colorful abstract strategy game focused on pattern building with coral reef pieces.

User Reviews

Players rave about Azul’s elegant gameplay and stunning design. Many users appreciate how easy it is to learn while still offering enough strategy to keep players engaged. The game’s aesthetics are frequently praised, and it has become a favorite in many households. Some reviews note that it can become repetitive over time but highlight the variety of strategies available to mitigate this.

FAQs

• Is Azul difficult to learn? No, Azul has straightforward rules that are easy to grasp, but the strategy involved can add depth to the game.
• Can Azul be played solo? Azul is designed for 2-4 players, but there are unofficial solo variants available online.
• How does player count affect the game? With 2 players, Azul becomes more tactical, as each player has more control over tile drafting. With 3-4 players, it becomes more chaotic but still enjoyable.

Final Verdict

Azul is an outstanding board game that combines elegant design with strategic gameplay. It’s easy to learn, yet offers enough depth to keep players coming back for more. Its stunning components and simple mechanics make it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels, while its multiple variations ensure that it stays fresh over time. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a strategy enthusiast, Azul is a must-have in any board game collection.