Strasbourg

Objective of the Game

In Strasbourg, players aim to gain political influence in the medieval city of Strasbourg. The goal is to position family members into significant guilds and the city council, ultimately collecting the most prestige points.

Game Components

• Game board depicting the map of Strasbourg
• Family cards
• Influence markers
• Guild cards
• Secret objective cards
• Meeples or figures for each player
• Prestige point markers

Setup

1. Each player receives a set of influence markers, family cards, and one secret objective card.
2. The guild cards are randomly placed on their designated spots on the game board.
3. Each player places their figures next to the game board.
4. The game board is set in the middle of the table.
5. The round order in which each player will act is determined.

Gameplay

The game plays out over several rounds, where players compete for influence in different city areas.

1. Start of Round: Each round begins with the layout and shuffling of family cards.

2. Influence Phases:

3. Auctions for Influence Spots: Players secretly bid using their influence markers for available positions in guilds and the city council. The highest bidders secure these positions.

4. Placing Influence Members: Victorious players place their influence members on the appropriate spots on the board.

5. Objective Fulfillment and Scoring: Players can fulfill secret objective cards, which provide additional prestige points. These objectives often involve occupying certain spots in guilds or on the council.

6. End of Round: At the end of each round, the new round order is established.

End of Game

The game concludes after a predetermined number of rounds. The player with the most prestige points is declared the winner.

Strategies and Tips

• Watch the Opponents: Keep an eye on how many influence markers they have left. This can help you better gauge where to bid most effectively.
• Maintain Flexibility: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Try to gain influence in various city areas.
• Smart Use of Secret Objective Cards: These cards can make the difference between victory and loss.

Strasbourg is a strategic board game that requires careful planning and forward-thinking. While prior experience in strategy games can be beneficial, it’s not necessary to enjoy playing Strasbourg.