Splendor board game cover
Highly awarded · 2 organizations

Splendor

Marc André · Space Cowboys / Asmodee · 2014

Collect gem tokens to purchase cards that generate permanent bonuses. Elegant simplicity with surprising strategic depth.

Players

2–4

Time

30 min

Ages

10+

Difficulty

Light

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Why you'll like it

How it plays

In Splendor, players are Renaissance gem merchants. On your turn you do one thing: take gem tokens, buy a development card using your gems, or reserve a card for later (and take a gold token, which works as any color).

Each card you buy gives you a permanent gem discount on future purchases. Over the game, that discount grows, so you start buying expensive cards almost for free. Some cards are also worth points, and nobles visit you when you collect the right combination of cards.

The first player to 15 points triggers the end of the game. Splendor is quick to teach and quick to play, and the chunky poker-chip tokens feel great.

May not be for you if…

Best for

Gateway gamersfamiliescasual groupscouples

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Where to buy

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Common questions

How long does Splendor take?

About 30 minutes.

Is Splendor good for 2 players?

It works with 2 to 4. Many couples prefer Splendor Duel, a version designed specifically for two.

Is Splendor good for beginners?

Yes. It's one of the best first engine-building games: there are only three possible actions per turn.

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