Merchants^*

The 16th century marks the beginning of a new era. America is discovered, trade routes to India are established, and trade becomes simpler in Europe. Players assume the roles of powerful families like the Fugger, Welser, Voehlins, or Hoechstetter, aiming to maximize their income through strategic trade and the use of goods cards.

Players start with three goods cards, two ship cards, and a goods tile on each ship corresponding to one of six goods: indigo, fur, corn, wood, fish, and cotton. Each turn allows players to draw or play cards, affecting their ship card goods, revealed goods on the board, and triggering scoring opportunities.