Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar*
Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar is a unique board game that introduces a dynamic worker placement mechanism set against the backdrop of the ancient Mayan civilization.
Gameplay Overview
- Dynamic Worker Placement: Utilize a system of interconnected gears to place and move workers.
- Mayan Theme: Players represent different Mayan tribes, engaging in various activities related to the culture.
- Resource Management: Use corn as a currency to place workers and execute actions.
- Strategic Timing: Benefit from letting workers stay on the gears to access more valuable actions.
- Mandatory Actions: Players must pick up workers if all of them are on the gears, ensuring continuous engagement.
- Game Duration: The game ends after a full revolution of the central Tzolkin gear.
- Varied Paths to Victory: Achieve victory through different strategies, such as pleasing the gods or constructing temples.
Conclusion
Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar stands out for its innovative use of the gear system in worker placement, offering a fresh and engaging twist to the genre. This mechanism, combined with the rich Mayan theme, provides a deeply strategic and thematic experience. Players must carefully plan their actions, considering both the timing and placement of workers to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. The game's unique approach to worker placement and resource management, along with multiple strategies for victory, makes it a compelling choice for players looking for a challenging and immersive board game experience.
Nominated for 20 awards and won 9.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 90 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Hard to learn
We like Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024
- Position 6 in All "Deutscher Spielepreis🇩🇪 2013" game award winners & nominees in comparison
- Position 19 in All "Spiel des Jahres🇩🇪 2013" game award winners & nominees in comparison
- Position 28 in The best civilization games
- Position 6 in The best games from Simone Luciani 🇮🇹👨
- Position 18 in The Best Games from Czech Games Edition 🇨🇿🏢
- Position 67 in The best games presented at the Spiel 2012 game fair in Essen, Germany
- Position 12 in The best games where game pieces move additionally based on inertia
- Position 26 in The best games with dynamically changing start player
- Position 21 in The best "Jogo do Ano🇵🇹" winners and nominees