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SPLENDOR

Collect gems, buy cards, build a permanent gem economy. Twenty minutes to teach, thirty minutes to play, surprisingly cutthroat.

8.6
♥♥♥♥♥
OUT OF 10
PLAYERS2-4 Players
PLAY TIME30 min
COMPLEXITYEASY
DESIGNERMarc André
YEAR2014
AGE10+
★ EDITORS' VERDICT

The gateway Euro that converts more board-game-curious people than any other game. Almost mandatory on a shelf if you ever introduce new players.

✓ WHAT WORKS

  • Five-minute teach, real depth on first play
  • Engine-builder satisfaction in a 30-minute envelope
  • Plays well at 2 and 4 in different ways
  • Beautiful chunky gem tokens — table presence is high

✗ WHERE IT STUMBLES

  • Optimal play converges on similar strategies
  • Random card flips can swing a tight endgame
  • Lacks narrative — pure abstract engine-building

THE EDITORIAL

Splendor's rules fit on a postcard: collect gem chips, buy cards with chips, cards earn permanent gems, first to 15 victory points wins. Three minutes to teach.

The depth shows up in the third or fourth play. The card market refills based on what other players take; denying your neighbour a 5-point Level 3 card is often worth more than buying it yourself. Nobles add a positional puzzle on top.

Probably the best gateway game in print at this price point. The Marvel reskin is fine but adds nothing mechanically; the Cities expansion adds variable end-game goals that veteran groups will appreciate.

WHERE TO PLAY

🛒 BUY ON AMAZON🎲 BOARDGAMEGEEK🌐 OFFICIAL SITE🎮 PLAY DIGITAL

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