Objective of the Game
In Agricola, the objective is to build the most successful farm by the end of the game. The winner is the player who scores the most points through the development of fields, breeding of animals, house improvements, and an expanded family.
Components
The game includes player boards, resource tokens (wood, clay, reed, stone), food markers, animal figures (sheep, wild boars, cattle), crop tiles for grain and vegetables, farm boards, and various types of cards.
Setup
- Each player receives a farm board, consisting of a 3x5 grid, two wooden rooms, and two family member tokens.
- Resources and animals are placed nearby for easy access.
- Depending on the number of players, specific action cards are placed face up on the game board.
- Each player is dealt a series of hand cards (occupation cards and improvement cards).
Gameplay
The game is played over 6 harvest stages, each consisting of several rounds (usually 4). In each round, players take turns using their family members to perform various actions.
- Start of Round: New cards are revealed that provide new actions or the opportunity to use established actions.
- Action Phase: Players take turns assigning a family member to one of the available actions:
- Collect resources (wood, clay, reed, stone, food)
- Plow fields or sow seeds
- Obtain animals
- Build or expand rooms and stables on their farm
- Increase family size
- Play improvements or occupations
- Use kitchen and baking actions
- End of Round: All family members return to their players, and the action cards are replenished.
- Harvest Time: Players must have enough food. Harvesting brings in resources, and animals have the opportunity to breed.
Game Elements
- Occupation Cards: Provide special advantages when played.
- Improvements: Offer various benefits to players, enhancing farm productivity or efficiency.
- Harvest Time: Ensuring adequate food is crucial. Inadequate food during this phase will result in begging cards, which count as negative points.
Scoring
After the final harvest period, the scoring stage begins. Points are awarded for: * The number and type of animals (sheep, pigs, cattle) * Cultivated fields with grain and vegetables * The development of the house (wood, clay, stone) and the overall farm condition (number of rooms) * Size of the family * Missing types of resources result in penalty points * Begging cards are penalized as well
The player with the highest score wins!
Strategy Tips
- Family Management: More family members allow more actions per round, but ensure plenty of food is available.
- Flexibility: Adapt your strategy based on the cards drawn and the evolving game situation.
- Balanced Development: Avoid neglecting any area (fields, animals, house) as penalties for missing resources can quickly add up.
