
Plan B Games • 2017
A gorgeous abstract strategy game where players draft colorful resin tiles from central factory displays onto their pattern boards. Tiles are then placed on the royal palace wall to score points based on adjacent tile clusters. Leftover tiles that cannot fit fall to the floor line, deducting points. The game rewards spatial planning, timing, and hate-drafting opponents to force them into heavy penalty points. Inspired by Portuguese azulejo tiles, Azul won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award for its brilliant blend of accessible rules and strategic depth. The physical production is outstanding—the chunky, tactile resin tiles feel fantastic in hand as you draft and align them. Plays 2 to 4 players in a fast-paced 30 to 45 minutes. While simple to learn, master players can anticipate opponents' needs and leave them holding unwanted tiles, turning a serene tile game into an engaging tactical battle.
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