(Izzy is interested in Andrew's shoes and nearly got her head stuck in them...)We all gathered at Warren and Sharon's house this week. Troy Shady was a new attendee having met the Madden's up in Chattanooga at a Train boardgaming convention.
Troy, Adam, Eileen, Andrew, and Sharon started this game before everyone arrived. Troy started off his gaming in Acworth with a victory at 116 pts. Adam was second with 79. Sharon and Eileen tied at 71 and Andrew finished with 53.
Joel brought along Augsburg 1520 and Steve, Andy, and I were ready to try it out.This game is for 2-5 players, designed by Karsten Hartwig, and published by Alea. The theme is that players are Merchants trying to influence Nobles in order to gain money, prestige, and favors (debts). They do this by winning auctions with cards affiliated with particular nobles (suits). Each round consists of 5 auctions for the 5 nobles (4 suits + 1 Wild Card noble) with each winner receiving a reward. The rewards are 2 actions from a choice of 3 on each reward card. There are 5 of these reward cards per round and these cards are selected in auction order (ie winnner of the 1st Auction gets 1st choice of the 5 cards).
Rewards can be spent to earn advancements in 3 areas (Money, Prestige, and Noble Debts). Money allows players to buy cards and build Churches and Cathedrals. Prestige advancements provide more Victory Points. Noble Debts allow more cards to select from each round. There are more complications but the idea is that players need to manage advancements in all 3 categories to succeed. Making this more interesting is that there are limits on the top advancements and if one is not available then players must steal one from another player. Finally, there is a limit on Victory Points -- players cannot exceed 25 without a Church or 45 without a Cathedral.
There is a lot going on in the game and the method of purchasing cards and looking at what you need to win in various auctions is interesting. It can be somewhat difficult to analyze when buying new cards while you have several cards in hand. Also, I'm not sure how much long range planning can be accomplished but it has many interesting tactical choices and it is not obvious which reward choices should have priority (at least not after one play). All in all, a challenging game.
Joel pulled ahead early by winning auctions and gaining a prestige (VP) advantage. Andy was close but stalled at 25 while he was unable to build a Church. I was fortunate to win a few late auctions and make up ground going into the last round. Finally, I was able to win at the end by winning a late auction and taking the last VP adding card so I edged Joel out by 1 VP. Final - Michael 60, Joel 59, Steve 44, and Andy 33.
During Alhambra and Augsburg Warren and Danielle played a few 2 player games...
Cant' Stop & The Reef
(Danielle and Warren enjoying some two player games)
Danielle won while Warren couldn't stop...but Warren won The Reef.
(Warren shows Andrew where he is planning to move...)
Scores: Joel 15, Steve 15, Adam 7, Michael 1, Warren 1, and Andrew -22.
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