Objective
In Alhambra, a strategic board game, players compete as master builders aiming to construct the most beautiful and valuable Alhambra. The objective is to score the most points by building various buildings in your Alhambra.
Components
- Board: A central game board featuring a marketplace, a bank of currency cards, and building tiles.
- Building Tiles: Represent distinct types of buildings to be incorporated into the Alhambra.
- Currency Cards: Four different currencies with various values.
- Scoring Track: To keep track of points scored.
- Starting Player Marker: Indicates the current starting player.
- Player Boards and Tools: Each player gets a tableau for sorting tiles and currency.
Setup
- Each player begins with starting money from randomly drawn currency cards not exceeding the sum of 20.
- The central marketplace is stocked with four randomly drawn building tiles.
- There are four face-down and four face-up stacks of currency cards.
Gameplay
The game is played clockwise. On a player’s turn, they have three main actions to choose from:
- Take Money:
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Take one face-up currency card, or several cards if their total value does not exceed five.
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Buy a Building Tile and Add to Alhambra:
- Pay the building cost using matching currency cards.
- No change is given for overpaid amounts.
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Exact payment allows for an extra action.
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Reorganize Your Alhambra:
- Move tiles from the reserve into the Alhambra or rearrange considering building regulations.
Note: Building tiles must always be connected to at least one already laid tile. Waterways and walls must be placed correctly.
Scoring
The game includes three scoring rounds triggered by drawing scoring cards. During scoring:
- Majorities of Building Types – Points are awarded for having the most buildings of each type.
- Longest Wall – Awards points to players for the longest continuous wall.
End of the Game
The game ends after the third scoring. The player with the most points wins.
Strategy Tip
Planning is key to winning Alhambra. Effectively managing your currency to buy and place buildings with optimal strategy is crucial. Additionally, focusing on securing majority and the longest wall early on can be advantageous.
