Azul
Azul brings the beauty of Portuguese tile-laying to your table. Designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Plan B Games in 2017, this abstract strategy game won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres in 2018. Players compete as artisans decorating the Royal Palace of Evora by drafting colorful ceramic tiles from factory displays. The game accommodates 2-4 players, takes 30-45 minutes to play, and welcomes players aged 8 and up. This review examines Azul’s mechanics, components, and gameplay to help you decide if it belongs in your collection.
Azul Game Overview
Azul tasks players with creating tile patterns on their personal boards while managing limited space. Each round involves drafting tiles from circular factory displays, placing them strategically on pattern lines, and scoring points when transferring completed lines to your wall grid.
The game combines simple rules with tactical depth. Players must balance collecting tiles they need while blocking opponents from completing their patterns.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Michael Kiesling |
| Publisher | Plan B Games, Next Move Games |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Players | 2-4 |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Game Type | Abstract Strategy, Family |
| Complexity Rating | 1.77 / 5 |
What’s in the Azul Box
The components in Azul stand out immediately. The resin tiles feel substantial and satisfying to handle during play.
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Resin tiles (5 colors) | 100 |
| Player boards (double-sided) | 4 |
| Factory display tiles | 9 |
| Scoring markers | 4 |
| Starting player tile | 1 |
| Fabric bag | 1 |
The tiles come in blue, yellow, red, black, and turquoise. Each measures about 1.5cm thick with a glossy finish. The player boards use sturdy cardboard with clear iconography. The fabric bag holds all tiles comfortably for blind draws between rounds.
Azul Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional component quality creates tactile satisfaction during tile selection
- Rules explanation takes under 5 minutes for new players
- Strategic depth emerges from simple tile-drafting decisions
- Plays smoothly at all player counts from 2-4
- Quick setup and teardown fits weeknight gaming sessions
- Double-sided boards offer variant gameplay for experienced groups
Cons:
- Limited player interaction beyond drafting tiles opponents need
- Abstract theme lacks narrative engagement
- Potential for analysis paralysis with competitive groups
- Random tile draws can create unbalanced factory offerings
- Becomes repetitive after multiple consecutive plays
How to Play Azul
Setup takes about 3 minutes. Each player receives a board and scoring marker. Place factory displays in the center based on player count: 5 for two players, 7 for three, or 9 for four. Draw four random tiles from the bag onto each factory display.
Turn Structure
On your turn, select all tiles of one color from either a factory display or the center area. The tiles you don’t take move to the center. If you’re first to take from the center, you also claim the starting player tile.
Place collected tiles on one pattern line of your board. Pattern lines have 1-5 spaces, filling right to left. Excess tiles drop to your floor line, which costs points at round end.
Scoring Phase
When all tiles are claimed, players score simultaneously. Move the rightmost tile from each completed pattern line to its matching space on your wall grid. Score 1 point for isolated tiles or count all connected tiles horizontally and vertically for the placement.
Tiles in your floor line subtract points based on their position. The starting player tile always costs 1 point. Refill factory displays and begin the next round.
Winning Azul
The game ends when someone completes a horizontal row on their wall. Players earn bonus points: 2 per complete row, 7 per complete column, and 10 per color set of five tiles. Highest score wins, with completed rows breaking ties.
Where to Buy Azul
| Retailer | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Amazon | $30-$40 |
| Miniature Market | $28-$35 |
| Game Nerdz | $28-$35 |
| Noble Knight Games | $30-$38 |
| Local game stores | $35-$40 |
Azul Game Mechanics
Azul uses open drafting as its core mechanism. All available tiles sit in plain view on factory displays, creating complete information for strategic planning.
The drafting forces interesting decisions. Taking tiles you need often helps opponents by moving their desired colors to the center. The negative points from floor tiles punish greed, requiring careful calculation of available spaces before drafting.
Pattern building combines with set collection. You must place matching tiles in lines before transferring them to specific wall positions. The wall layout restricts which colors go where, adding a puzzle element to tile selection.
End-game bonuses reward long-term planning. Players who focus solely on immediate points often lose to those building toward complete rows, columns, or color sets. This creates tension between short-term gains and strategic positioning.
Who Should Play Azul
Azul suits players who enjoy abstract strategy board games without complex rules overhead. The game rewards spatial thinking and forward planning more than tactical combat or negotiation.
Families appreciate the accessibility. Children grasp the core loop quickly while adults find depth in optimal tile placement and opponent blocking. The game works well as a gateway to introduce non-gamers to modern board game design.
Couples seeking a two-player option will find Azul competitive and engaging. The reduced factory count at two players creates tighter decisions with less randomness than higher counts.
Skip Azul if you prefer thematic games with narrative arcs or heavy interaction like social deduction board games. The abstract nature and indirect player conflict may feel dry for groups wanting dramatic moments or direct confrontation.
Splendor fans often enjoy Azul’s similar resource collection and engine-building feel. Azul adds more direct player interaction through factory drafting while maintaining quick turns and clean rules.
FAQ
Is Azul good for beginners?
Yes, Azul works excellently for beginners. The rules take under 5 minutes to explain, and new players grasp the core concepts within one round. The game provides strategic depth that grows with experience while remaining accessible to casual players and families.
How long does Azul take to play?
Most games finish in 30-45 minutes after setup. Experienced players often complete games closer to 30 minutes, while new groups may approach 45 minutes. Setup takes about 3 minutes, and cleanup requires less than 2 minutes, making it ideal for quick gaming sessions.
What’s the best player count for Azul?
Azul plays well at all counts from 2-4 players. Two-player games offer the most strategic control with tighter decisions. Three and four players create more chaos and unpredictability from factory offerings. Most players prefer 2-3 for optimal balance between strategy and variety.
Is Azul worth buying?
Azul provides excellent value for its price point of $30-40. The high-quality components, replayability from double-sided boards, and broad appeal across age groups justify the cost. It serves as both a gateway game and a keeper for experienced collections seeking quick strategic experiences.
What games are similar to Azul?
Players who enjoy Azul often like Splendor for similar resource collection mechanics, Sagrada for pattern building with restrictions, and Patchwork for two-player spatial puzzles. The Azul series itself includes Stained Glass of Sintra, Summer Pavilion, and Queen’s Garden as variants with modified rules.
