Objective
In Imhotep: The Duel, each player takes on the role of a renowned ancient Egyptian architect. The objective is to score more points than your opponent by enhancing monuments and acquiring valuable shipments.
Components
- 60 Tiles:
- 18 transport tiles (numbered 1 to 3)
- 8 starting tiles
- 34 monument tiles
- 1 Harbor Board with 6 square spaces arranged in a 2x3 grid
- 12 Ships (6 in white, 6 in black)
- 4 Player Markers (2 per player)
- 23 Cards consisting of:
- 5 special cards per color
- 4 starting cards per color
- 4 advancement cards
- 2 joker cards
Setup
- Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding two player markers and six ships.
- Place the harbor board in the center of the table.
- Shuffle the tiles and place them face down as a draw pile.
- Each player receives a starting card and places their special cards nearby.
- Draw the first six tiles and place them face up onto the six spaces of the harbor board.
- Prepare the advancement and joker cards as well next to the play area.
Gameplay
Players take turns one after the other, starting with the first player. On a turn, a player performs one of the following actions:
- Place a Player Marker: A player places one of their player markers on an empty space within the harbor grid.
- Take a Ship: A player can take a ship when they have filled a row on the harbor board with their markers. The player then chooses the tiles from that row, deciding in which order to collect them.
- Special Action: The player can activate a special card for unique effects, such as adding extra markers or removing tiles from a ship.
Scoring
Players collect tiles throughout the game to gain immediate bonuses or scoring opportunities for the final tally. At the end of the game, points are calculated for:
- Complete sets of same-colored monument tiles
- Effects from collected tiles and cards
- Additional points from special cards' usage
Strategies
- Timing is critical: Plan your marker placements to secure the best shipments before your opponent.
- Diversity in collected monuments can yield bonus points at the end of the game.
- Special Cards can turn the tide; ensure to use them strategically at the right moment.
End of the Game
The game ends when no more tiles can be placed onto the board or when a player completes their sixth full monument row. The player with the most points is declared the winner.
