Objective of the Game
The objective of Power Grid is to supply the most cities with power. The player who can power the most cities by the end of the game wins.
Setup
At the start of the game, the game board is prepared according to the number of players. Each player chooses a color and receives the corresponding houses and a starting capital of 50 Elektro (the game currency). The power plant market is populated with eight random power plants, with power plants numbered 3 to 10 face-up and the remaining four face-down.
Gameplay
The game is played over several rounds, divided into the following phases:
1. Determine Turn Order
The turn order is determined at the beginning of each round based on the number of cities a player can power. In case of a tie, the highest-numbered power plant determines the order.
2. Auction for Power Plants
In this phase, players bid in an auction for power plants. Each plant has a minimum bid price. Players acquire power plants to expand their potential coverage.
3. Resource Buying
Players purchase resources (coal, oil, trash, uranium) for their power plants. The price of resources increases as they become scarcer. It's important to keep an eye on which resources might become scarce in the power plant market.
4. Building Phase
Players expand their supply network by building houses in new cities. Connection costs between cities must also be paid. Initially, networks are limited to a few cities, but they can be expanded later.
5. Bureaucracy Phase
In this phase, cities are powered. Players receive money based on the number of cities they power. New power plants are also introduced into the market and the resource market is replenished.
End of the Game
The game ends when a player reaches a certain number of cities (depending on the number of players) in their network. The round is completed and the winner is the player who can power the most cities.
Strategic Tips
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Resource Management: The timing of buying and using resources is crucial. Players should try to use resources efficiently, especially as they become scarce.
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Turn Order: Your position in the turn order affects your ability to purchase resources and power plants, so anticipate whether you want to play first or later in the upcoming rounds.
Special Rules
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In the “two-player game,” there are specific adjustments such as regulated resource markets.
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There are three phases during gameplay that start when a certain number of cities have been powered, changing things like the power plant market.
Power Grid offers thrilling strategic planning and resource management challenges that experienced players will surely enjoy.
