Splendor is a game based on collecting chips and card development. Players are merchants of the Renaissance trying to buy gem mines, means of transportation and shops, all in order to acquire the most prestige points.
The game is played with cards and tokens only and there are 90 development cards. The game starts with these cards being laid out in increasing order and 4 cards from each order being revealed at any one time. Orders being levels 1,2,3.
Players then purchase development cards with tokens which are worth prestige points. Prestige points add up and give bonuses to buy more cards for less.
On each players turn there are four choice actions they can take. These are – taking 3 tokens of different colours, taking 2 tokens of the same colour, reserve a development card & a gold token or purchase a face up card. The player can only choose one action per turn. There are also noble cards and if players have acquired enough bonuses then they receive a visit from a noble which incurs more points.
The winner of the game is the first to reach 15 prestige points. Points are gained from collected cards and noble visits. Not all cards are worth points. Cards are also classed as gems, as are the token gems themselves so it can get a bit confusing when playing.
It is a quick game but the rules can be a bit baffling at first. Playing the game is much better than trying to explain it to others and it’s actually a lot better than it sounds.
This game is for up to 4 players and at least 2. And aimed at players aged 10 and over.
