Objective of the Game
The objective of Manhattan is to be the player with the most points at the end of the game. Points are earned by constructing skyscrapers in various districts of the city of Manhattan.
Game Components
- A game board with 6 districts, each containing 9 building spaces (totaling 54 spaces).
- 60 buildings, divided into 6 colors with 10 buildings each in different heights (1–4 stories).
- Building cards that indicate where buildings can be constructed.
- Score markers for tracking points.
Setup
- Each player chooses a color and takes all 10 buildings of that color.
- Each player draws 4 building cards.
- Players agree on a starting player order.
- Place the game board in the center of the table, with players seated around it.
Game Play
Rounds: The game is played over four rounds, each round every player constructs six buildings.
- Card Selection: Each player selects a card from their hand and places it face down.
- Turn Order: Beginning with the start player, each player reveals their card and places one of their buildings according to the card’s instructions on an available or already built space in the respective district.
- Placement Rules:
- Buildings can be erected on an empty space.
- On an already built space, a player can only stack their building on top if the new total number of stories equals or surpasses, and the player would have at least as many own stories as the current highest owner.
- Draw Cards: After their turn, a player draws a new building card to always have four in their hand.
- The next player clockwise takes their turn.
Scoring: At the end of each round, three types of points are awarded:
- Tower Control: 1 point for each tower if the player owns the topmost floor.
- District Control: 3 points for owning the most top floors in a district.
- Tallest Building: 3 points for the tallest tower in the entire city.
End of the Game
After the fourth round, the scores are tallied, and the player with the most points wins the game.
Strategic Tips
- Carefully consider when to build a single tall building to maintain control.
- Try to be present in multiple districts for more district domination opportunities.
- Keep an eye on opponent's buildings to recognize and respond to competitive situations early.
Manhattan requires planning and tactics, particularly in structuring and timing your moves.
