NaPodPomo 2023: 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Tile-Laying Games

Napodpomo 3

Today we are talking about tile-laying games. Tile-laying games are a type of board game where players build the board by placing tiles on it. This can be done to create a city, a farm, a forest, or any other kind of landscape or scene.

  • Look for scoring opportunities. When placing your tiles, try to think about how you can score points in multiple ways. For example, if you are placing a tile that completes a road, also see if it can help you complete a city or monastery.
  • Be aware of your opponents’ strategies. Try to anticipate what your opponents are trying to do and block them from completing their goals. For example, if you see that your opponent is close to completing a long road, try to place a tile that will prevent them from doing so.
  • Don’t be afraid to adapt. As the game progresses, the board will change and you may need to adapt your strategy. Be willing to change your plans if necessary.

Here are some additional tips for the three specific games mentioned in the podcast:

  • Carcassonne: Try to save your meeples for the later stages of the game, when there are more opportunities to score points. Also, don’t forget to consider the placement of your meeples when placing your tiles.
  • Azul: Try to plan ahead and think about how you can complete multiple patterns with a single tile placement. Also, be aware of the different scoring conditions for each pattern.
  • Kingdomino: Try to draft tiles that have a variety of features. This will give you more flexibility when placing your tiles and make it more difficult for your opponents to block you. Also, don’t forget to consider the placement of your castles when drafting tiles.