Small World: Conquering the Fantasy World with Rules, Instructions, Winning Strategies & How to Play Guide

Introduction

Small World is a quaint and cozy board game that combines strategy, luck, and fantasy in a unique way. The game was designed by Philippe Keyaerts and first published by Days of Wonder in 2009. It has since gained popularity worldwide, with numerous expansions and versions available. The game is set in a whimsical land filled with various races and special powers, where players vie for control over territories. It reminds me a lot of those Tolkien-esque fantasy worlds, but perhaps with a bit less danger and a lot more light-heartedness (at least when we played). The equipment needed to play Small World includes the game board, race banners, special power badges, tokens, victory coins, and other markers.

Rules for playing Small World

1. Each player selects a race and special power combination at the start of the game.
2. Players take turns to conquer regions on the board using their race tokens.
3. At the end of each turn, players score one victory coin for each region they control.
4. Players can choose to put their race into decline and select a new one, but they can only control one active race at a time.
5. The game ends after a certain number of turns, and the player with the most victory coins wins.

These are the basic rules according to the official Small World rulebook. However, players can introduce ‘house rules’ for variations of the game, such as team play or custom races.

How to Play Small World

Setup

1. Choose the appropriate game board based on the number of players.
2. Shuffle the race banners and special power badges, then draw five of each to form the selection row.
3. Each player receives five victory coins.
4. The first player is chosen randomly.

Gameplay

1. On their turn, a player can either expand their empire with their active race or put their race into decline to select a new one.
2. To conquer a region, a player must use two race tokens plus one additional token for each piece of cardboard (enemy tokens, mountains, etc.) in the region.
3. At the end of their turn, a player scores victory coins based on the number of regions they control.

End of the Game

The game ends after a predetermined number of turns, usually 8 to 10 depending on the number of players. The player with the most victory coins is the winner.

How to Win at Small World

Winning at Small World requires a balance of aggressive expansion, strategic decline, and careful selection of races and powers. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Choose your race and power combination wisely. Some races are naturally stronger, while some powers can give you a significant advantage.
2. Expand aggressively in the early game to secure a strong income of victory coins.
3. Know when to put your race into decline. It’s often better to do this sooner rather than later, as it allows you to select a new race and continue expanding.
4. Keep an eye on your opponents and try to disrupt their plans. You can do this by attacking their key regions or by choosing races and powers that counter theirs.

Best Strategies for playing Small World game

While the strategies mentioned above can help you win, the best strategies often depend on the specific situation in the game. Here are some advanced strategies to consider:

1. Try to control the choke points on the board. This can help you defend your regions and limit your opponents’ expansion.
2. Use your race’s special abilities to your advantage. For example, if you control the Dwarves, focus on conquering and holding mountain regions.
3. Consider the long-term benefits when choosing a new race. Some races may not seem powerful at first, but they can provide a steady income of victory coins over time.
4. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice a few tokens to disrupt your opponents’ plans. This can slow them down and give you an advantage.

Scenarios for Small World

Small World is a dynamic game with countless possible scenarios. Here are some common situations and how to handle them:

1. If you’re falling behind in victory coins, consider putting your race into decline and selecting a new one that can help you catch up.
2. If an opponent is dominating the board, team up with other players to break their control. Remember, Small World is not just a game of conquest, but also a game of diplomacy.
3. If you’re in the lead, be careful not to spread your forces too thin. It’s often better to consolidate your control over a few key regions than to try to conquer the whole board.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Small World game

1. Can I control more than one active race at a time? No, you can only control one active race at a time. However, you can still score victory coins from your declined races.
2. What happens if I run out of race tokens? You can’t conquer any more regions, but you can still score victory coins from the regions you control.
3. Can I attack my own regions? Yes, you can attack your own regions if you want to free up some race tokens or disrupt your opponents’ plans.
4. How many races and powers are there in the game? The base game includes 14 races and 20 special powers, providing a wide variety of combinations.
5. Can I play Small World with more than five players? The base game is designed for 2 to 5 players, but there are expansions that allow for more players.

External Links

Small World board game review [Video]

Small World Quick Start Rulebook [PDF]