Welcome to MERKATOR
Hey there! As a merchant in this exciting game, you’ll journey through different cities, striving to complete your assigned orders and score as many points as possible. Each order has a specific point value, but remember, you can only keep a limited number of orders. So, sometimes you have to make tough choices. You can choose to travel with other players if you want, but keep in mind that everyone is vying for the best order!
Let’s Get Set Up!
First things first, let’s punch out those overview cards. Next, place the two board pieces side by side and put the boxes in their designated spots. Sort the wooden pieces by color and put them in their respective boxes. Don’t forget to place the coins and timer next to the board too.
When you’re ready to play, make sure the time chart is facing up with the ULTIMO side showing. Place it next to the board. The number of counters you use will depend on how many players there are. If there are four players, all rows on the chart should be filled. If there are three players, the top row will be left empty. And if there are two players, both the top and bottom rows will be empty.
Once the contracts are shuffled, each player should receive one contract of each value. The remaining contracts with low values should be placed face down to create the discard pile. Shuffle the bonus cards and deal one to each player. Finally, shuffle the building cards and place the top four cards beside the stack. Now you’re ready to start the game!
GAMEPLAY
Okay, let’s get this game started! I’ll explain the rules to you. Pay close attention!
First things first, we’re going to take turns. The person who hasn’t been to Hamburg the longest will go first. If none of us have been to Hamburg, then it goes to the one who had a hamburger most recently. That person won’t get any time counters, but the second person will get two, and the third person will get one. Cool, right?
Now, during each turn, we get to take four steps. Exciting, isn’t it?
Step one is all about investments. If you have less than five contracts, you can invest some more. But if you’ve got six or more, you’ll have to sell some off before you can make any new investments. Gotta keep things balanced!
Once we’re done with investments, we move on to step two, where we get to travel. Woohoo! To do that, we’ll place our Merkator token and pay any travel fees that come along with it. So make sure you’ve got some spare change!
Once my adventures come to an end, I have certain obligations to fulfill. These obligations, or contracts as I like to call them, can only be completed if I am in the right place, as specified on the contract card. It’s essential for the location on the card and my current location to align.
To fulfill a contract, I need to return all the items mentioned on it back to the general supply. It’s like closing a loop and tying up all the loose ends. Once I’ve fulfilled my contracts, I have the option to travel with another player who is currently active. Of course, I need to compensate the player for their company.
Traveling is the heart and soul of this game. It’s what keeps the excitement going. During my travels, I have several tasks to tackle. First, I must gather goods for my journey. Then, I need to distribute new goods, ensuring that everything is in order. Next, I have to deal with time counters, either by collecting or paying them. Finally, I have to be cautious about the loss of goods, making sure not to let anything slip through my fingers.
All these actions need to be carried out in the specified order. It’s important to stay organized and keep track of my belongings. By following these steps, I can navigate this game successfully and enjoy all the thrilling twists and turns it has to offer.
The game continues until the final round when a player completes a contract worth ten points or when the last time counter is taken from the chart. At that point, each player, including the one who triggered the final round, will take one more turn before the game ends.
The Game Ends
When the final round concludes, the game is over. Players will count their points to determine the winner. The player with the most Victory Points is declared the winner!
Hi there! I’m Ellie, and I live in Northeast Tennessee. I adore all types of animals, enjoy reading fantasy fiction novels, and love spending time outdoors. I’m lucky to have an amazing husband who adores me almost as much as our two furry pets. Being a part of this incredible community brings me so much joy.