Instructions Ubongo

Objective of the Game

The objective of Ubongo is to quickly fit puzzle pieces into designated patterns to collect gemstones. The player who has collected the most gemstones after nine rounds wins the game.

Game Components

• Game Board: A tray for the gemstones
• Gemstones: In various colors
• Puzzle Pieces: Each shape represents a polyomino
• Task Cards: Indicate which pieces should be used
• Hourglass: Limits time for solving a task
• Die: Indicates which puzzle pieces to use

Setup

1. Each player chooses a color and receives the corresponding puzzle pieces and a tray for their gemstones.
2. Gemstones are placed randomly in a pile.
3. The game board is placed in the center of the table and stocked with gemstones.
4. Each person gets a task card.

Gameplay

1. Roll the Die: One player rolls the die to determine which puzzle pieces are to be used. The rolled number indicates which pieces should be used.

2. Start the Timer: Flip the hourglass to set the time.

3. Solve the Puzzle: All players simultaneously try to solve the puzzle using the designated pieces. Task cards specify which pieces must be used.

4. Scoring:

5. The first player to correctly solve their puzzle shouts "Ubongo" and receives the fastest bonuses (usually additional points or gemstones).

6. After the hourglass runs out, other players who have solved the puzzle also receive gemstones, albeit in lesser amounts.

7. End of Round and Setup for Next Round: Gemstones are collected, and a new round begins.

Special Features

• Speed is crucial! A quick solution yields more gemstones.
• Puzzle shapes vary greatly in complexity, keeping the game exciting and challenging.
• Strategic considerations might focus on solving simpler patterns first to ensure consistent gemstone collection.

Strategic Tips

• Practice makes perfect: Work on your ability to quickly identify matching pieces for a pattern.
• Balance between speed and accuracy: A false "Ubongo" might lead to the loss of valuable time.

Enjoy playing Ubongo! Speed and a good eye for shape recognition are your keys to victory.