Welcome to the Santa Maria Game Rules!

Introduction

Hi there! I’m here to guide you through the exciting world of Santa Maria. This game is all about exploration, strategy, and making tough decisions. In this guide, we’ll go over all the rules you need to know to start playing. So, grab your map and let’s get started!

Goal of the Game

So, what’s the goal of Santa Maria? Well, it’s simple really. Your objective is to become the most successful and prosperous colonizer in the New World. You’ll need to cleverly manage your resources, explore uncharted territory, and establish profitable colonies. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Game Setup

Before we dive into the gameplay, let’s talk about the setup. Each player will receive a player board, a colored marker, and a set of dice. The central game board is divided into several areas, each representing a different aspect of the game. Make sure all the game components are sorted and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay

Now it’s time to begin your journey. Santa Maria is played over several rounds, with each round having multiple phases. In each phase, you’ll have different options and opportunities to take advantage of. The phases include the exploration phase, the income phase, the action phase, and the planning phase.

Exploration Phase

During the exploration phase, players will take turns exploring the New World. You’ll encounter different tiles, each offering unique benefits and opportunities. You may uncover resources, build colonies, or unlock special actions. Be strategic in your exploration, as each choice can have a huge impact on your overall game strategy.

Income Phase

During the income phase, players will receive resources and income based on their colonies and bonuses. This income will be crucial for your next actions, so make sure to plan ahead and optimize your resource generation.

Action Phase

The action phase is where the heart of Santa Maria lies. Here, you’ll use your dice to activate different actions on your player board. Each action requires a specific combination of dice values, so choose wisely. You can use your dice to explore further, build colonies, produce goods, or gain special bonuses. The choices are endless, but remember to think strategically and consider the long-term impact of your decisions.

Planning Phase

The planning phase is a time for reflection and preparation. Here, you’ll decide how to arrange the tiles you acquired during the action phase on your player board. This placement will determine the benefits and actions you’ll have in future rounds. Be thoughtful in your planning, as each tile placement can have a significant impact on your overall strategy.

Game End

After several rounds, the game will come to an end. Players will tally up their victory points based on their colonies, technologies, and achievements. The player with the highest number of victory points is declared the winner.

Conclusion

And that’s Santa Maria! Now that you know the rules, it’s time to embark on your own colonizing adventure. Remember to think strategically, make smart decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. Good luck, and may the New World be yours for the taking!

When you’re setting up the game, start by putting the Common Board in the center of the table. Then, for each player, put 3 blue dice on the board (if you’re playing with 3 players, that means 9 dice). If there are any leftover blue dice, put them back in the game box.

Next, take the Year Marker and put it on space “1” of the Year Track.

Now, it’s time to set up the Starting Shipment Tiles. Take the 4 orange sails and shuffle them. Then, randomly place them face up next to the four docks on the Common Board.

So here’s what you gotta do: take the 10 Scholar Tiles and the 6 Bishop Tiles, and shuffle them up real good. Then, pick 3 tiles from each group and put ’em face up on the spots on the board that are meant for ’em. Any leftover tiles go back in the game box.

Alright, let’s get started! First things first, I’m going to shuffle these 30 Standard Shipment Tiles, also known as white sails, and put them in a stack face down. This stack will be right nearby so we can access the tiles easily.

Next, I’m going to roll 3 white dice for each player. For example, in a 3 player game, I’ll roll 9 dice in total. Once I’ve rolled the dice, I’ll sort them by their value and place them below the common board. If there are any extra white dice, I’ll put them back in the game box for now.

When setting up the game, here’s what you need to do:

– Take the 3 Road Tiles and place them face-up on the retiring space on the common board.

– Sort the Coins, Happiness Tokens, and wooden Resource Tokens by type and put them to the side of the table. We have an endless supply of Coins and Happiness Tokens, but if we somehow run out, we can use other objects.

– Shuffle the 15 Double and 15 Triple Expansion Tiles separately. Then, randomly select 5 of each type and place them face-up on the right side of the common board. This is our display. Keep the remaining tiles in facedown stacks nearby.

– The 4 Town Hall Tiles with the “gray backside” go back in the game box. We only use them with the advanced set-up.

– Now, it’s time to choose our player color. Each of us picks a color and takes the corresponding materials.

• There are 6 Monks positioned at the player’s starting point.
• There are 3 Player Markers positioned on the common board: one on the beginning space of the religion track, one on the beginning space of the conquistador track, and one on the market square.

If there are fewer than 4 players, put any unused components back in the game box.

Getting Started with the Colonies

Let’s begin by selecting a starting player at random. If this is your first game, it’s a good idea to give each player one of the 4 Colony boards randomly.

In subsequent games, players should choose their colony boards in a counter-clockwise order around the table, starting with the player to the right of the starting player. Make sure the A-side of the board is facing up. If there are any leftover boards, simply put them back in the game box.

• First, put your Colony Board in front of you with the A-side facing up.
• Next, take 2 pieces of wood and some coins based on your seating order: The player going first gets 3 coins, the second player (to the left) gets 4 coins, the third player gets 5 coins, and the fourth player gets 6 coins. Place the wood and coins in the correct storage areas on your colony board.
• Now, grab 1 blue die (from above the common board), give it a roll, and position it to the left of your colony board (its value shouldn’t be changed). This blue die represents your first local worker. As the game progresses, each player can unlock 2 more blue dice.

The Goal

As we enter the 16th century, people are rushing to the New World. I will guide a colony and gather the necessary resources to grow it. My goal is to establish shipping routes, send out conquistadors to find gold, and increase my religious power to recruit and train new monks.

After 3 rounds of the game, which represent 3 years, the player with the most happiness points in their colony will win.

Let’s Play

This game lasts for 3 years, or rounds. The first turn goes to the starting player in the first year, and then players take turns clockwise around the table until everyone decides to retire from the round.

During your turn, you must choose one of the following four actions:

1. Expand your colony

Let me break it down for you. In the game, there are a few main actions you can take: activating a single building using coins, activating a whole row or column using a die, or retiring and withdrawing from the round. You can find more details about these actions in the following pages. But here’s the best part – you can also do additional free actions during your turn.

Now, there are a few important things to keep in mind. When we talk about the “colony,” we mean the 6×6 grid on your colony board. And when we say “pay,” we mean taking the required tokens or coins from your storage and returning them to the supplies. On the other hand, when we say “gain,” it means you take the necessary tokens or coins from the supplies and put them in your storage.

Finally, let’s talk about points. When we say “gain points,” it means you earn happiness tokens and place them face down on your colony board. Just remember, the happiness points in a purple frame are only gained at the end of the game, not during the game itself.

A. Broaden your Settlement

So you want to expand your colony? That’s great! Let’s explore some ways you can achieve this goal.

1. Optimize your Resources: First things first, you need to make sure you’re utilizing your resources efficiently. Take stock of what you have and how you’re using it. Are there any areas where you can improve? For example, if you have an abundance of food but are struggling with housing, you may need to allocate more resources to building new shelters. 2. Strengthen your Infrastructure: A strong infrastructure is essential for a growing colony. Ensure that your roads, bridges, and other structures are in good condition and can support the expansion. If necessary, invest in repairs or upgrades to keep everything running smoothly. 3. Develop new Skills: As your colony expands, you may encounter new challenges and opportunities. It’s important to develop new skills that can help you navigate these changes. Consider investing in education and training programs for your settlers to ensure they have the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in a larger community. 4. Foster Relationships: Building strong relationships is crucial for any expanding colony. Reach out to neighboring settlements and establish partnerships based on mutual benefits. This can include trade agreements, sharing resources, or even supporting each other in times of need. 5. Embrace Innovation: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and embrace new ideas and technologies. Innovation can help streamline processes, improve productivity, and open up new possibilities for growth. Stay informed about the latest advancements and be open to incorporating them into your colony’s practices. 6. Encourage Migration: To expand your colony, you’ll need an increase in population. Encourage migration by promoting your settlement as a desirable place to live. Highlight the benefits of living in your colony, such as job opportunities, a strong community, and a high quality of life. 7. Plan for the Future: Expansion should be a long-term endeavor, so it’s important to plan for the future. Consider factors like population growth, resource sustainability, and potential challenges. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure the long-term success of your expanding colony.

Remember, expanding a colony is no small feat. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a willingness to adapt. But with the right approach, you can create a thriving, vibrant community that continues to grow and prosper. Best of luck on your expansion journey!

• If you want to take a double expansion tile, it will cost you 2 wood.
• If you prefer a triple expansion tile, you’ll need 2 wood and 1 grain.

When you want to expand your colony, you have the option to buy one tile at a time. Take a look at the face-up expansion tiles in the display and choose one that you like. Then, place the tile over any empty spaces in your colony. Feel free to rotate the tile in any direction that you prefer. However, keep in mind that you cannot cover other expansion tiles or pre-printed buildings.

Remember: The display of expansion tiles will not be replenished. There are only 5 double and 5 triple expansion tiles available each year. Once all ten tiles have been taken, you won’t be able to expand your colony any further until the next year.

B. Activate a Single Building

Hey there! Let me break it down for you. When you want to use a building in your colony, just place some coins on it. Easy, right? But hold on, there’s a catch – you can only choose a building that doesn’t already have any coins or dice on it. It’s like giving a little extra boost to the building to make it work.

Did you know that every year, activating the first building costs just 1 coin? And guess what? The second building costs 2 coins, while the third one costs 3 coins, and so on. It’s like a staircase of costs, where each activation is 1 coin more than the previous one. But here’s the catch – you have to take those coins from your storage. It’s a pretty straightforward concept, right? The more buildings you activate, the more coins you’ll have to spend. So, it’s like a little game within the game, trying to balance your resources while getting the most out of your buildings.

Note: At the end of each year, all coins will be removed from activated buildings, and the prices will reset.

C. Activate a Row/Column

Hey there! I wanted to give you a heads up about something important. Each year, when it’s time to reset, all the coins that were in activated buildings will be taken away. So, just keep that in mind as you plan your strategies!

Let’s dive into another way you can up your game – activating a row or column. Have you ever tried it? It’s pretty neat! This move can really boost your score and skyrocket you to the top of the leaderboard!

So, here’s how it works: when you activate a row or column, you’re selecting a whole row or column of buildings to enhance. All the buildings in that row or column will get a nice bonus, which can help you generate more points. And, bonus points mean more success, right?

Now, before you go activating every row and column in sight, you need to be strategic. Choosing the right row or column is key. You want to think about which buildings will benefit you the most and help you achieve your goals. It’s like a puzzle game within a game!

Oh, and one more thing – you can only activate a row or column if all the buildings in that row or column are already activated. In other words, you can’t just activate a single building and call it a day. It’s all or nothing!

Remember, every move you make in this grand strategy is important. Your decisions can make or break your success. So, take a moment to think, plan, and strategize. Consider the buildings that will bring you the most value and activate wisely!

With this new knowledge, I’m confident you’ll rise to new heights in the game. So go ahead and activate those rows and columns like a pro! Good luck, my friend!

When it’s time to make a move in the game, you have a couple of options. You can either grab a white die from the common pool, or you can take one of the blue dice that are lined up on the left side of your colony board.

Now, here’s something important to keep in mind: You can’t use more than 3 white dice in one year. It’s a rule we all have to follow.

Once you’ve picked your die, you can use some coins to adjust its value. It’ll cost you 1 coin for each point you want to increase or decrease it by. Just remember that the values don’t wrap around, so going from 1 to 6 (or vice versa) will cost you 5 coins.

If you went with a white die, you’ll need to activate all the empty buildings in the column that matches your die’s value. Start from the top and work your way down. Finally, place your die on the lowest vacant building in that column. That building will stay blocked for the rest of the year.

If you chose a blue die, the process is a bit different. You’ll need to activate all the empty buildings in the row that matches your die’s value. Start from the left and move to the right. Finally, place your die on the rightmost vacant building.

Example: I use a white die. I pay 2 coins and change the die roll from 5 to 3.

Example: Let’s say we’re playing a board game with a blue die. We have two buildings on the board, and we need to activate them in a specific order. Once we do that, we’ll take the die and place it on the last empty building. Simple, right?

Activating Buildings: Unlocking the Potential

Hey there! Today, I want to talk to you about activating buildings and how they can make a real difference. When it comes to expanding your colonies, all spaces on the expansion tiles have a purpose – they’re either buildings or road spaces. Buildings are where the magic happens!

Now, let’s talk about what happens when we activate these buildings. Are you ready to dive in?

Storage Limit: Balance is Key

First things first, you need to know about the storage limit. Picture this: you can never have more than 3 of the same resource in your storage. That means you have a maximum of 3 wood, 3 grain, 3 sugar, 3 gems, and 3 gold. Simple, right? But what happens if you exceed this limit?

Well, don’t worry! If you find yourself with extra resources, you’ll actually get something in return. Instead of holding onto the excess, you can sell them for some shiny gold coins. For each extra grain or wood, you’ll get 1 coin. And for each surplus sugar, gem, or gold, you’ll get 2 coins. It’s a win-win!

Production: A World of Possibilities

Now, let’s move on to the exciting part – production! When you activate a building, you unlock a range of amazing effects. It’s like opening a door to a world of possibilities. So, what can you expect?

Each building has its own unique effect, enhancing your game in different ways. From boosting your resource production to giving you special abilities, these activated buildings can turn the tide of your adventure. It’s like having a secret weapon up your sleeve!

So, there you have it – the power of activating buildings. By unlocking their potential, you can make your colonies flourish and reach new heights. Are you ready to take on the challenge? The choice is yours!

If you want to get your hands on the resources, coins, or points that are shown, I’ll tell you how. Just remember that there’s a limit to how much you can store.

Exchanging Stuff

If you want to get the coins, points, or resources listed below, you can pay the amount shown above. You can only make this exchange once when you activate the building. If options are listed with a “/”, you have to choose only one of them.

Shipping

When it comes to acquiring resources in this game, you have the option to pay for the ones depicted on any of the four face-up shipment tiles next to a dock on the common board.

Once you’ve chosen a tile, place it face down in your own harbor, matching the symbol of the dock you took it from.

Afterward, draw a new tile from the shipment tile stack and fill the empty dock on the common board.

If the stack of shipment tiles runs out, you won’t receive any more shipments for the rest of the game.

Remember: Shipment tiles offer additional income and actions when you retire. Any points displayed on these tiles will be scored at the end of the game.

Conquistador

When I play the game, I get to move my game piece forward by one space on the conquistador track. It’s exciting to see myself getting closer to victory. If by chance I end up on the same space as another player’s marker, I get to place my marker on top of theirs. It’s like declaring my dominance!

As I make my way along the track, I might come across a gold symbol. If I do, I get to collect a gold token. It’s always nice to find a little extra treasure. However, if I manage to reach the end of the track, any additional conquistadors I produce are unfortunately lost. I need to make sure I use them wisely.

At the end of the year, the players who have made the most progress on the conquistador track will earn points. It’s a race to see who can advance the furthest and claim victory. I need to strategize and make sure I’m always moving forward.

Now, let’s talk about gold: Gold is an incredibly versatile resource. I can use it to replace any other resource for any purpose. Whether I’m shipping goods or using a trading building, gold comes in handy. It’s like having a magical resource that can do anything!

Religion

Hey there! It’s time to level up on the religion track. Move your marker forward by 1 space.

Remember: Every time you move on the religion track, you have the option to spend 1 grain and move 1 extra space. So, if you want, you can go a maximum of 2 spaces with each religion action.

Here’s something cool: when your marker goes past a monk symbol on the track, you can recruit a brand new monk. And guess what? When you pass the 1st and 3rd monk symbols, you also unlock an extra blue die. How awesome is that?

Recruiting A Monk

Ever considered the process of recruiting a monk? It may seem puzzling, but let me share with you the steps involved. Finding the right person is crucial, as their presence in the community brings numerous benefits. When looking for a monk, you must first consider their qualities and values. What type of person are you seeking to fill this role?

Begin by reflecting on the characteristics you desire in a monk. Are you in need of someone who exemplifies peace and tranquility? Or perhaps you desire one who embodies compassion and wisdom? Understanding the qualities you seek will guide you in your search for the perfect candidate.

Once you have identified the traits you’re looking for, it’s time to start the selection process. This involves examining the candidates’ backgrounds, skills, and experiences. You want to ensure that the individual aligns with the values and practices of your community.

The interview is a crucial step in recruiting a monk. It’s an opportunity for you to assess the candidate’s suitability for the role. You can ask questions about their spiritual journey, their commitment to the community, and how they plan to contribute to its growth. This exchange of words will give you insights into their character and motivation.

Remember, recruiting a monk is not just about finding the right person. It is also about shaping their experience within the community. Provide support and guidance as they acclimate to their new role. Encourage them to participate in activities that foster their spiritual growth and nurture their connection with others.

By following these steps and taking the time to recruit a monk with care, you can ensure a positive experience for both the individual and the community. The presence of the right monk can bring a sense of peace and enlightenment to all those who encounter them. So, consider the qualities you seek, and embark on the journey of finding the perfect monk to join your community.

When I come across a monk symbol, I have the option to put one of my monks on one of the 10 designated spaces on the board. These spaces can be found below a scholar tile, a bishop tile, or a missionary station.

If I’m the first person to put a monk on a space, I can do so for free. But if other players already have monks on that space, I need to pay 2 coins to each of them. Also, I can’t place a monk on a space where I already have one.

What happens when I place a monk depends on the tile or missionary station above the space. Let me show you:

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Now, let’s talk about the Scholar. The scholar has a permanent effect, which means it will always be in play.

Hey there! Did you know that monks are not only knowledgeable in spiritual matters but also well-versed in scholarly pursuits? It’s true! During the game, I have the privilege of channeling the scholarly abilities granted by my training as a monk. You can find more information about these abilities on the separate Reference Sheet dedicated to scholars’ effects.

Oh, and that’s not all! At the end of the game, each scholar tile that I acquire also grants me a sweet little bonus of 1-3 points. You can spot these precious tiles by their beautiful purple frame.

Bishop (end-game Scoring):

When I play the game, I become a monk who is granted the status of a bishop. My goal is to earn points by meeting the bishop’s expectations. However, I need to be cautious as appointing each bishop costs me 2 points at the end of the game.

Special Abilities of the Missionary Stations:

How to Obtain a Blue Die:

Hey there! Let me share something cool about the game with you.

So, when you manage to pass both the first and the third monk symbol, a special thing happens – you unlock a blue die. Pretty exciting, right?

Once that happens, you get to take one blue die from the reserve above the common board. Roll it and place it on the left side of your colony board. And just like that, you have an additional blue die that you can use for the rest of the game. How awesome is that?

Hey there! When you make it to the end of the religion track, your marker won’t move any farther. But don’t worry, because things are about to get interesting!

Instead of advancing on the track, you’ll start gaining points. For every space you were supposed to advance, you’ll earn 1 point. And here’s a tip: if you want to earn even more points, you can spend a grain token to advance an extra space – which means gaining an extra point – whenever you take a religion action. Cool, right?

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Only the buildings that are empty will be activated. If a building is covered with a die or coins, it won’t be used.
• When you activate a row or column, make sure to do it from top to bottom or left to right, depending on what you choose. Don’t mix up the order!
• Even if you don’t want to use a building’s effect, you still have to place your die on the last empty space in the row or column.
• Road spaces are not considered buildings. They can’t be activated, and you can’t place a die on them. They’re just there for show!

I want to share some important information with you about the game rules. Let’s dive in and discover how to make the most out of your gaming experience!

First, there’s an important rule that you should keep in mind. If you don’t have any empty spots in the row or column where you want to use a die, you won’t be able to take it. So make sure to plan ahead and create some space before grabbing those dice.

Now, let’s talk about some special buildings on the colony board. These buildings have multiple effects, so when you activate them, be sure to carry out all the actions shown. They can give you some great advantages, so don’t miss out on them!

Lastly, I want to tell you about retiring or withdrawing from the round. This is an option you have if you want to take a break from the game for a while. It’s totally fine to do so if you need a rest or want to strategize for the next round. Just let the other players know and take the time you need.

Remember, these rules are here to help you have a fun and fair gaming experience. So keep them in mind, plan your moves wisely, and enjoy every moment of the game. Good luck and happy playing!

When you decide that it’s time to retire, the first thing you’ll do is move your player marker from the market square to an empty retiring space. Don’t forget to carry out the action shown on that space! It’s important to note that you’ll also receive income from your shipping tiles at this time.

On the turn that you retire, you can also take advantage of any available free actions or abilities from your scholars. It’s like having a bonus before you take a break! Once you’ve retired, your role in the current year is complete. You won’t take any more actions, but the other players can continue playing their turns while yours are skipped.

Remember: Even if you can’t or don’t want to carry out the action on a retiring space, you can still choose to retire there.

To retire, simply place your marker on an empty retiring space:

When I’m playing this game, I have a few options to choose from. The first thing I can do is gain 2 coins, which is always a good way to start. Then, I can perform a Religion action. If I have some grain, I can use it to advance one extra space. But be careful, if I unlock a blue die during this action, I won’t be able to use it until next year. Another action I can take is the Conquistador action. It’s always exciting to explore new lands and claim them for myself. I also have the option to perform a Shipping action. This allows me to move goods from one place to another, which is crucial for building a successful colony. Finally, I can take a Road Tile from the common board and place it in my colony. This helps me expand and connect different parts of my settlement.

Once I’ve done these actions, I can receive income from all the shipment tiles in my harbor. These tiles can give me additional actions or even coins/points, depending on the symbol on the ship’s dock. It’s always nice to get a little bonus for my hard work!

And on top of all these main actions, there are also some free actions I can take. These additional actions can be performed as often as I like, giving me even more options and strategies to consider. It’s important to make the most of all the opportunities available to me, so I can build the best colony possible.

Hey there!

Trading resources can be a little confusing, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. So, here’s the deal: if you wanna sell some resources, just follow these simple steps.

First, let’s talk about basic resources. These are things like wood, stone, or wheat. If you have one of these basic resources, you can trade it in for a coin. That’s right, just hand over that resource, and you’ll get a shiny coin in return.

Now, if you’ve got something a little more fancy, like an advanced resource, then you’re in luck. Advanced resources are things like tools or cloth. And here’s the exciting part: if you trade in one of these bad boys, you’ll get not just one, but two coins in return. That’s a pretty sweet deal, right?

So, to sum it all up: basic resource equals one coin, advanced resource equals two coins. Easy peasy, right? Happy trading!

Want to get some basic resources? Just pay 3 coins and you’ll gain 1 basic resource (). Keep in mind, you can’t buy advanced resources, and there’s a limit to how many resources you can store (see page 4).

For example: When it’s my turn, I start by selling 2 sugar and 1 gem, which gives me 6 coins. Then, as my main action, I choose to activate a shipping building and use some of my coins. Next, I spend 3 coins to buy a grain from the supply. I use that grain to fulfill the requirement of a shipment tile.

Time to Wrap Up the Year

Once all the players have retired, the year comes to an end.

Now, I get points based on where I am on the conquistador track. Look at the scoring table for this year and the number of players.

The person who has moved the farthest on the track gets the most points. If I’m last or if I haven’t put any conquistadors on the board this year, I don’t get any points.

If two people are in the same spot, the person whose marker is lower in the pile (the one who got there first) is considered to be ahead.

Then, move all of our markers on the conquest track back to the starting spot.

Note: Our markers on the religion track stay where they are.

Any coins and dice on our buildings go back to the pile.

Now that we’ve reached the end of the first and second years, it’s time for some important tasks. Let me break it down for you:

• I discard any remaining face-up expansion tiles in the display. Next, I draw 5 new double and 5 new triple expansion tiles from the stacks and put them face-up on the table.
• I collect all the white dice, give them a roll, and then sort them by their value. I place them below the common board. After that, I reroll my blue dice (the ones I’ve unlocked) and put them to the left of my colony board.
• Whoever used the retiring space closest to the symbol above the retiring spaces becomes the starting player for the next round. The other players will follow in a clockwise order, regardless of which retiring space they used. We all move our player markers from the retiring spaces back to the market square.
• I move the year marker forward one space. It’s time for the next year to begin.

End of the Game

The game ends after three years, and it’s time to tally up the score. Here’s how you can earn some extra points:

Resources and coins: Hey there! I’ve got some tips for you on how to make the most out of your remaining resources and coins. First, you can sell your leftover resources for some extra coins. You’ll get 1 coin for each basic resource and 2 coins for each advanced resource. That’s not too shabby, right?

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. After you’ve exchanged your resources for coins, you can use those shiny new coins to your advantage. For every 3 coins you have, you’ll earn 1 point. Just keep in mind that any leftover coins that don’t add up to a full 3 won’t count towards your final score. So make sure to do some quick math and round down any decimals.

The Importance of Fully Developing Rows and Columns in Colonists

Colonists (on road spaces): Fully developing a row or column on your player board in the game Colonists is a crucial strategy. To fully develop a row or column, you need to fill it with buildings and/or roads. Once you do this, your efforts will be rewarded. For every fully developed row or column, you will earn 1 point for each colonist present in that row or column. It’s important to note that if a colonist is present in both a fully developed row and a fully developed column, it will be counted twice, giving you double points.

Monks: When you have a monk on a Scholar Tile, you get points equal to the number shown on that tile. If you have a monk on a Bishop Tile, things work a little differently. First, you lose 2 points as indicated on the space. Then, you score points based on the requirements of the Bishop Tile.

If you’re like me, you might find yourself scratching your head when it comes to harbors. Harbors are these things in the game that give you points. Let me break it down for you. Each set of shipment tiles that you have is worth 3 points. And to have a set, you need one ship in each dock.

Hey there! Let’s talk about shipment tiles. When you flip them over, you’ll see points on each tile. Add up all those points to figure out your final score at the end of the game. The player with the most total happiness points wins. Pretty cool, right?

But what happens if there’s a tie? Well, in that case, we look at the final year. The player who used the retiring space closest to the 1st symbol becomes the winner. It’s all about strategy and making the right moves!

Ready for a Challenge? Check out the Advanced Rules!

Hey there! Let’s get this game started. First things first, set up the game components just like they’re described on page 1 and at the top of page 2. Once you’ve got that sorted, it’s time to determine who goes first.

Now, each player needs to grab a colony board and place it in front of them with the B-side facing up. All the B-sides are the same, so no need to fret about that.

Next up, each player gets 2 wood and a bunch of coins. The amount of coins you get depends on where you’re sitting – could be 3, 4, 5, or even 6 coins. That’s the fun of it!

Alrighty, now it’s time to roll the blue die. Each player rolls one and puts it to the left of their colony board.

Now, let’s get the 4 Town Hall tiles out and place them face up on the table. Oh, and don’t forget to grab 1 Scholar Tile for each town hall. These scholar tiles are picked randomly from the ones that aren’t being used on the common board.

When it’s my turn to choose a set, I get to pick one of the four sets of two tiles in a counter-clockwise order. Once all the players have chosen their sets, any leftover tiles go back in the game box.

After I choose a set, I can place the Town Hall anywhere in my colony, covering two empty spaces. It’s important to consider the values on the dice that have already been rolled when deciding where to place the Town Hall.

I have the freedom to rotate the tile as I like. Next, I put the scholar tile face up next to my colony board. This scholar is under my training, and I can use its special ability right from the start of the game. Nobody else can train this particular scholar.

Variant: Common Pool Of Blue Dice

If I want to reduce randomness and increase interaction between players, there’s a variant rule I can try. Here are the changes to the standard rules: Instead of adding and keeping my blue dice to the left of my colony board, I can draft blue dice from the common pool, just like the white dice.

During setup, a blue die is rolled for each player and placed alongside the white dice in the common pool. Whenever I reach the first or third monk symbol on the religion track, I can take a blue die from above the common board, roll it, and add it to the common pool.

As my main action during my turn, I can take a blue die from the common pool and use it to activate a row on my player board. In a single year, I can never take more blue dice than the number of blue dice I have unlocked, as indicated by my position on the religion track.

Before a new year begins, I roll all my unlocked blue dice and return them to the common pool.