Ever dreamt of being a gem merchant without the hassle of, well, real gem merchants? Splendor’s got you covered. It’s a board game where you get to hoard shiny rocks and show off your sparkle collection to impress everyone.
In this game, players take on the roles of wealthy Renaissance merchants who are striving to establish prosperous gemstone businesses. The objective is to collect valuable gemstones, develop efficient trading routes, and attract influential nobles to gain prestige and wealth.
Splendor is all about the thrill of collecting gems and creating your bedazzling empire. Who knew being a jewel collector could be this much fun?
What’s included in Splendor
- Gem tokens representing different types of gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and onyx).
- Development cards that players can purchase to increase their gem production or earn points.
- Noble tiles representing influential figures who provide VPs for meeting specific gemstone requirements.
- Player tokens for tracking resources, bonuses, and VPs.
- Cards displaying the available development cards and their costs.
- A central board representing the market where gem tokens and development cards are displayed.
How to play Splendor?
Setup
- Place the central board in the center of the table.
- Shuffle the development card decks (tiers 1, 2, and 3) separately and place them face-up in three rows on the central board.
- Place the gem tokens in separate stacks next to the board.
- Shuffle the noble tiles and place them face-up next to the board.
- Each player takes a set of player tokens (gold, blue, green, and red) and places them in front of them.
Rules for Splendor
Splendor is played in turns, and players can perform one of four possible actions on their turn:
- Collect Gem Tokens: Take three gem tokens of different colors or two of the same color if there are at least four of that color available in the market. If you have ten or more gem tokens at the end of your turn, you must return any excess tokens.
- Reserve a Development Card: Spend your turn to reserve one face-up development card from the market or draw one blindly from a deck. Place the reserved card face-down in front of you. Reserved cards can be purchased later.
- Purchase a Development Card: Spend the required gem tokens to purchase one of the face-up development cards from the market. Place the card in your tableau, and its bonuses become available for future turns.
- Attract a Noble: If you meet the specific gemstone requirements listed on one of the face-up noble tiles, you can claim that noble. Take the noble tile, which is worth a certain number of VPs, and place it in your tableau.
Winning the Game: The game continues until a player reaches 15 or more VPs. If multiple players reach this threshold in the same round, the player with the highest VP total wins.
For the official rules, see the link below:
Strategies to employ in Splendor
Winning Splendor requires a combination of strategic planning, resource management, and adapting to the evolving game state. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of winning:
- Diversify Your Gem Collection: Early in the game, aim to collect a variety of gem colors. This versatility allows you to purchase a wider range of development cards and meet the requirements of various nobles.
- Reserve Key Development Cards: Consider reserving development cards that are essential for your strategy but may be in high demand by other players. This prevents opponents from snatching them and gives you more control over the game.
- Pursue Noble Tiles: Keep an eye on the noble tiles that offer Victory Points for specific gemstone combinations. If you’re close to meeting the requirements, make it a priority to attract the nobles to your side.
- Focus on Tier 2 and 3 Cards: While tier 1 development cards are essential for early gem production, tier 2 and 3 cards offer more VPs and bonuses. Aim to acquire these cards as you progress.
- Pay Attention to Your Opponents: Keep track of your opponents’ gem collections and strategies. If another player is pursuing a similar strategy, consider adjusting your approach to compete effectively.
- Build Efficient Engine: Concentrate on acquiring development cards that provide discounts for purchasing other cards. An efficient gem engine allows you to accumulate cards more quickly and efficiently.
- Balance Development Cards: Don’t overinvest in one type of development card. Balance your card acquisitions to maximize your overall gem production and bonuses.
- Manage Your Gold Tokens: Gold tokens (represented by the yellow gem) are versatile because they can substitute for any other gem. Use them strategically to bridge gaps in your gem collection when purchasing cards.
- Plan for Endgame: As you approach the 15 VP threshold, ensure you have a clear path to victory. Consider how to secure your last VPs, whether through noble tiles or final development card purchases.
- Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the development cards available, the actions of your opponents, and the nobles in play. Flexibility is key to success.
- Resource Efficiency: Aim for resource efficiency in your gem collection. Try to avoid holding excess gem tokens that could be spent on development cards or reserved for future purchases.
- Don’t Neglect Reservations: Reserved cards can be crucial, both for acquiring essential cards and denying them to opponents. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed reservation.
- Claim Nobles Strategically: Attract nobles when you can meet their requirements without significantly delaying your overall strategy. Balance noble tile acquisition with card development.
- Maximize Your Bonuses: Pay attention to the bonuses provided by your development cards. These bonuses can help you acquire higher-tier cards more efficiently.
- Watch the Game State: Continually assess the game state and your position relative to other players. Adjust your strategy as needed to maintain a competitive advantage.
Splendor is a game that rewards careful planning and adaptability. By employing these strategies and staying mindful of the evolving game state, you can increase your chances of winning and become a Splendor master.