Amerigo: Strategies, Rules, and Tips

Introduction

Amerigo, a cool board game that’s all about exploration and strategy. It’s named after the famous explorer Amerigo Vespucci and was created by Stefan Feld, a big name in the board game world, creator of other games like La Isla which I’ve written guides on previously. The game was released back in 2013 and has been a hit with gamers who love planning and building stuff.

In Amerigo, players sail to new lands, build settlements, and rack up points to win. It’s got this unique cube tower that you drop colored cubes into to decide what actions you can take. The game is a mix of luck and strategy, and it’s a blast to play with friends or family. So, let’s dive in and learn how to become a pro at Amerigo!

Rules for playing Amerigo

Alright, let’s get into the rules of Amerigo. The game is for 2 to 4 players and usually takes about 90 minutes to play. The goal is to score the most points by exploring islands, building settlements, trading goods, and doing other cool stuff. Each player has a ship and a bunch of building pieces like houses and towers.

The game is played over seven rounds, and each round has five phases. The cube tower is the heart of the game. You drop cubes into it, and the colors that come out determine what actions you can take. There are seven different actions, like moving your ship, building, or buying special tiles. You’ve got to be smart about using your resources and planning your moves to outscore your opponents. There’s a bit of luck involved because of the cube tower, but good strategy is key to winning.

Equipment and Setup for Amerigo

For Amerigo, you need the game box which comes with a bunch of stuff: a big board showing the islands, a cube tower, colored cubes, ships, building pieces, and more. You set up the game by putting the board in the middle, placing the cube tower, and giving each player their ship and pieces. You also set up the islands with random tiles that show different resources and points. Each player starts at a corner of the board, ready to explore and build.

How to Play Amerigo and Game Mechanics

The game has a few key mechanics. First, there’s the cube tower. You drop cubes into it, and the colors that come out decide what actions you can take. Each color matches a different action. Then there’s the action phase where you actually do stuff like move your ship, build, or collect resources. You’ve got to think ahead and make the most of your turns. The game ends after seven rounds, and the player with the most points wins.

1. Movement Phase: Move your ship to explore new islands or reach different parts of the board.
2. Building Phase: Build settlements, trading posts, or special buildings on the islands you’ve reached.
3. Trading Phase: Trade resources to get what you need for building or scoring points.
4. Special Actions Phase: Use special tiles you’ve bought to do extra actions or get bonuses.
5. Scoring Phase: Score points for your buildings, completed islands, and other achievements.

How to Win at Amerigo

Winning at Amerigo is all about balance. You need to explore and build efficiently, trade smartly, and use your special tiles well. Keep an eye on what your opponents are doing and try to block their plans if you can.

Scoring points through buildings and completing islands is important, but don’t forget about the end-game bonuses. They can really boost your score. It’s also crucial to adapt your strategy based on the cubes that come out of the tower. Sometimes you need to change your plans on the fly to make the most of your turn.

Best Strategies for playing Amerigo board game

One of the best strategies when playing Amerigo is to plan your actions with foresight, considering the cube tower mechanic that determines available actions. Prioritize actions that are scarce in the current round, as they might be more valuable or less contested.

I find it’s crucial to balance the development of your territories with the acquisition of resources. Diversifying your settlements can lead to more scoring opportunities, but focusing on a few key areas can also yield strong results if you maximize their potential. Keep an eye on your opponents’ moves and adapt your strategy accordingly to block their plans or capitalize on their oversights.

Finally, do not underestimate the power of the special actions; they can turn the tide of the game if used effectively. Efficient resource management, strategic planning, and adaptability are key components to mastering Amerigo.

And don’t forget about the end-game bonuses. They can be a game-changer, so plan for them from the start.

Scenarios

Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a tough spot in Amerigo. Maybe you’re low on resources or your opponents are blocking your plans. When that happens, try to be flexible and look for new opportunities. Maybe there’s an island nobody’s paying attention to, or a special tile that can help you catch up. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a bad situation to your advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Amerigo game

Q: How long does a game of Amerigo take?
A: It usually takes about 90 minutes to play a full game.

Q: Can I play Amerigo with just two players?
A: Yes, Amerigo can be played with 2 to 4 players.

Q: What’s the best way to score points in Amerigo?
A: Building on islands and completing them is a great way to score points, but don’t forget about end-game bonuses!

Q: How important is the cube tower in Amerigo?
A: The cube tower is very important because it decides what actions you can take each turn.

Q: Can I change my strategy during the game?
A: Absolutely! Being able to adapt your strategy is key to doing well in Amerigo.

External Links

Amerigo Review [Video]

Amerigo Official Rulebook [EN/PDF]