Alhambra*
Alhambra is a strategic board game set in the historical context of the construction of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, during the Middle Ages. It combines elements of resource management, tile placement, and strategic planning.
Gameplay Overview
- Historical Theme: Players take on the role of master builders in medieval Spain, constructing their version of the Alhambra.
- Resource Management: Manage and use four different currencies to hire teams of builders.
- Building Acquisition: Purchase buildings from a market, available in four different currencies.
- Efficient Spending: Gain an additional turn by paying the exact amount for a building.
- Construction: Build and re-arrange various types of structures like towers, gardens, pavilions, and chambers.
- Scoring: Earn points for having the most buildings of each type and for the longest external wall in your Alhambra.
- Endgame: Triggered when the building market can no longer be replenished. Final scoring determines the winner.
- Building Types: Six different building types, each contributing differently to your Alhambra.
Conclusion
Alhambra offers a rich blend of tactical decision-making and resource management, appealing to players who enjoy planning and strategy. The historical setting adds depth to the gameplay, as players feel like they are part of a grand medieval construction project. The game's mechanics of currency management, efficient spending, and tile placement require players to think critically about their building choices and layout. Alhambra is well-suited for players who enjoy games with economic elements, strategic building, and a competitive edge. The game's balance between planning and opportunity makes for an engaging and replayable experience.
Nominated for 10 awards and won 4.
⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2003
🔥 Deal: 8% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!
- 2 - 6 Players
- 45 - 60 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
We like Alhambra so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024
- Position 2 in All "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année"🇫🇷 2003 winners & nominees compared.
- Position 2 in All "Deutscher Spielepreis🇩🇪 2003" game award winners & nominees in comparison
- Position 5 in All "Spiel des Jahres🇩🇪 2003" game award winners & nominees in comparison
- Position 2 in The best Alhambra variants⎇
- Position 18 in The best "Deutscher Spielepreis"🇩🇪 award winners and nominees
- Position 2 in The best games from Dirk Henn 🇩🇪👨
- Position 7 in The Best Games from Queen Games 🇩🇪🏢
- Position 8 in The best games presented at the Spiel 2007 game fair in Essen, Germany
- Position 20 in The best games presented at the Spiel 2008 game fair in Essen, Germany
- Position 37 in The best "Spiel des Jahres🇩🇪" board games