The Builders: Middle Ages – A Guide to Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategy

Introduction

The Builders: Middle Ages is a card and tile-based game where players take on the role of master builders in the medieval era. The goal is to construct buildings and wonders by managing resources, hiring workers, and earning the most points. The game was designed by Frédéric Henry and I find it worth playing for its quick gameplay and strategic depth. If you like medieval-based tile games, you might also like Heaven & Ale, which I’ve written a guide on previously.

The Builders is a game that combines resource management with a bit of economic planning, and it’s great for people who enjoy games that are not too long but still offer a good challenge. The Builders: Middle Ages has been around for a while, and it’s got a pretty solid fan base. It’s not too hard to learn, but there’s enough strategy to keep you coming back for more.

Rules for playing The Builders: Middle Ages

Understanding the rules is key to enjoying any game, and The Builders: Middle Ages is no exception. The game is played with cards and tokens. There are two types of cards: Building cards and Worker cards. Each Building card shows the resources needed to complete it and the points it’s worth. Worker cards show the resources that the worker can provide each turn. You also have coins that you use to hire workers or send them to work on buildings.

The game starts with each player getting some coins and a couple of workers. The rest of the cards are placed in the middle of the table. On your turn, you can do three actions. You can open a new construction, recruit a new worker, send a worker to a construction site, or get some coins. You can do the same action several times. When a building is finished, you get points and sometimes extra coins. The game ends when a player reaches 17 points, and then everyone counts their points to see who wins.

Equipment and Setup for The Builders: Middle Ages

To play The Builders: Middle Ages, you need the game box which includes Building cards, Worker cards, coins (the game’s currency), and a rulebook. You can also make your own coins if you lose the originals or just want to add a personal touch to the game. The types of tiles in the game are the buildings you’re trying to construct, like houses, castles, and towers.

Setting up the game is pretty straightforward. Shuffle the Building and Worker cards separately and place them in two stacks. Give each player a starting set of coins and workers, and you’re ready to go.

How to Play The Builders: Middle Ages and Game Mechanics

The Builders: Middle Ages is all about making the most out of your workers and resources. Here’s a breakdown of the game mechanics:

1. Setup: Shuffle the decks, hand out starting coins and workers, and you’re ready to start.
2. Gameplay: On your turn, you can take three actions. Choose wisely to build efficiently and earn points.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when a player reaches 17 points. Finish the round and count up points to see who wins.

During the game, you’ll be choosing from these actions:

1. Start a new building by taking a Building card.
2. Hire a new worker by taking a Worker card.
3. Send a worker to a construction site, paying the cost and placing the worker on the Building card.
4. Take coins from the bank.

How to Win at The Builders: Middle Ages

Winning at The Builders: Middle Ages is about balance. You need to manage your coins, choose the right workers for the job, and complete buildings efficiently. Beginners should focus on understanding how different workers and buildings interact. Intermediate players can start planning their moves in advance, and advanced players will be looking for ways to optimize every action.

Keep an eye on what buildings are available and what workers you have. Sometimes it’s worth waiting for the right combination instead of rushing to build something with the wrong workers. Also, don’t forget about the coins. They’re crucial for hiring the best workers and completing buildings faster.

Best Strategies for playing The Builders: Middle Ages game

There are several strategies to win at The Builders: Middle Ages. Here are some of the best:

• Focus on a few high-point buildings rather than spreading yourself too thin.
• Keep a balance between earning coins and spending them. You don’t want to run out at a critical moment.
• Watch what other players are doing and try to block them if you can do so without hurting your own progress.
• Plan your moves ahead of time, but be flexible if the situation changes.

Sneaky tactics can also come into play. For example, if you notice another player is saving up for a particular worker, you might hire them first to throw off their strategy.

Scenarios

During the game, you might find yourself in a tight spot or with a big advantage. If you’re low on coins, focus on small buildings that don’t need much investment. If you’re ahead, look for opportunities to secure your lead with high-point buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing The Builders: Middle Ages game

Here are some common questions and answers:

1. Q: Can I build more than one building at a time?
   A: Yes, you can work on multiple buildings; just make sure you have enough workers and coins.
2. Q: What happens if I run out of coins?
   A: You can take an action to get more coins from the bank.
3. Q: Can I take back a worker from a building?
   A: No, once a worker is placed, they stay there until the building is completed.
4. Q: Is there a limit to the number of workers I can hire?
   A: No, but remember you need coins to hire them.
5. Q: Can I see the buildings other players are working on?
   A: Yes, all buildings and workers are visible to everyone.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you master The Builders: Middle Ages:

• Early in the game, focus on getting a good mix of workers.
• Keep track of which buildings have been completed to predict what might come up next.
• Remember that some buildings give you a bonus when completed. Plan to use these bonuses effectively.

External Links

For more information on The Builders: Middle Ages, check out the official rulebook and other resources:

The Builders: Middle Ages Official Rulebook

The Builders: Middle Ages Review [Video]