Alhambra is a territory purchase game: you collect cards representing different kinds of money, then use that money to buy square pieces of a garden. You get points based on how many pieces of your garden you can fit together (each piece has some walled borders, and you must join sections appropriately), and the types of garden pieces you have.
Alhambra‘s a wonderfully consistent game: just as interesting early in the game as it is near the end. You have to pay attention during others’ turns as they collect money cards and buy garden pieces, since 4 garden pieces are available to buy at any given time. You must plan your turn effectively. Moreover, the ongoing score is an effective but imperfect predictor of success.
It’s easy to grasp, because there are so few parts to the game. Kids could play it, though they’ll likely get blown away by adult players. Adults will find depth to the game’s strategies, without too many options at any given time.
This probably all old news to most of my geek viewers, thanks to the Tabletop episode on Alhambra. If you want to see the game in action, here you go:
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