Azul is a stunning tile-drafting board game that combines strategy, planning, and creativity. Whether you are a board game enthusiast or someone looking for a fun and engaging game to play with friends and family, Azul offers an experience that is both visually appealing and mentally stimulating. In this article, we will explore the game in detail, covering the rules, strategies, and tips to help you master Azul.
What is Azul?
Azul is a tile-drafting board game designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Plan B Games in 2017. The game was inspired by the beautiful ceramic tiles of Portugal, specifically the azulejos that decorate the walls of the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Players take turns selecting colorful tiles from a central pool and placing them on their personal boards to create stunning mosaic patterns.
Azul is known for its simple yet deep gameplay, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced board gamers. The game typically lasts around 30-45 minutes and is suitable for 2-4 players.
How to Play Azul?
Game Components
The game includes the following components:
- 100 colorful resin tiles in five different colors
- 4 player boards
- 9 factory displays (circular mats for holding tiles)
- 1 central game board
- 1 bag for drawing tiles
- 1 starting player marker
- 1 scoring track
- Rulebook
Setup
- Give Each Player a Board – Every player gets a personal player board that has a pattern grid on the right side and a staging area on the left.
- Set Up the Factory Displays – Depending on the number of players, place the factory displays in the center of the table.
- 2 players: Use 5 factory displays
- 3 players: Use 7 factory displays
- 4 players: Use 9 factory displays
- Fill the Factory Displays – Draw four tiles randomly from the bag and place them on each factory display.
- Choose a Starting Player – Give the starting player marker to one person. This marker will move clockwise in each round.
Playing the Azul Game
The game is played over several rounds, each consisting of three phases:
Tile Drafting Phase
On your turn, pick all tiles of one color from a factory display or from the center of the table. Any remaining tiles on the factory display move to the center of the table.
If you are the first player to take tiles from the center, you must also take the starting player marker (which will cost you 1 point but let you go first in the next round). Place the selected tiles in one of the five rows on your board’s left side. Each row can only contain tiles of the same color, and the row length determines how many tiles it can hold.
Tile Placement Phase
After all tiles have been drafted, players move completed rows of tiles from the left side to the matching positions on the right side of their board. Each tile placed in the grid earns points based on adjacency:
- A single tile alone scores 1 point.
- If a tile is placed adjacent to others, it forms a chain, and you score 1 point per tile in that row or column.
Any unused tiles in a row overflow into the “floor line” at the bottom of your board, causing a loss of points.
End-of-Round and Scoring
Players score points based on tile placement. The game continues for several rounds until one player completes an entire row on their board. Once a row is filled, the game ends, and players calculate their final scores.
How to Win at Azul: Strategies and Tips
Before you pick tiles, think about where you want to place them on your board. Filling rows efficiently while minimizing waste will give you an advantage. Azul is not just about your own board – it’s also about limiting your opponents’ choices. Try to take tiles that they need or leave them with tiles that will cause them to lose points.
If you can manipulate when tiles move to the center of the table, you can force your opponents into difficult situations. Sometimes, waiting to pick from the center can be a strategic move. Unplaced tiles that overflow into your floor line will cost you points. Try to balance your selections so that you don’t have too many wasted tiles at the end of a round.
You get extra points at the end of the game for completing full rows, columns, or sets of five tiles of the same color. Keeping an eye on these bonuses can give you a big scoring boost. Every game of Azul is different because of the randomness of tile draws and player decisions. Stay flexible and adjust your strategy as needed.
Why You Should Play Azul?
Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
Azul has simple rules, but the strategic depth makes every game unique. Even new players can grasp the game quickly while still having room to improve over time.
Beautiful and High-Quality Components
The colorful resin tiles are visually appealing and satisfying to handle. The aesthetic design makes the game enjoyable to play and a great conversation starter.
Great for All Ages
Azul is a game that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. It doesn’t require deep knowledge of board games, making it a great choice for family game nights.
Quick Playtime
Unlike some strategy-heavy board games, Azul takes only about 30-45 minutes to play, making it a perfect game when you want something engaging but not overly long.
Strong Replay Value
Since the tiles are drawn randomly and players make different decisions in each game, no two games of Azul are ever the same. This keeps it fresh and fun every time you play.
Variants and Expansions
If you love Azul, you might want to try some of its variants and expansions:
- Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra – A new take on the classic Azul formula with glass panes instead of tiles.
- Azul: Summer Pavilion – Introduces a new way to place tiles with a different scoring mechanism.
- Azul: Queen’s Garden – Adds even more strategic depth with new mechanics and tile placement rules.
Final Thoughts
Azul is an excellent game for anyone looking for a blend of strategy, creativity, and fun. Whether you play casually or competitively, Azul provides an enjoyable experience that challenges your planning skills while keeping things lighthearted and engaging.
If you haven’t tried Azul yet, now is the perfect time to give it a shot. Gather your friends, set up the factory displays, and start crafting your beautiful mosaic masterpiece!