Alhambra - Boardgame Review - Still Worth It?

Join us as we take a look at the 2003 Spiel Des Jahares winner Alhambra by Dirk Henn and published by Queen Games.

[@valpurikerttula9065]

We love Alhambra in my family. We play a lot of games, many heavier ones as well, but this one is always fun even though we have played it many many times! There is something very relaxing about placing tiles :)

[@PMMagro]

How did I miss this one?A classic, There are neat expansions helping with luck of the draw (gems/wild currency, exchange currency cards, the vizier allowing you to once get a tile out of turn...

[@jecabreradc]

Thanks for doing the still worth it series, it's great for us newbies.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

👍🏻

[@tabletopcloset8992]

Great to see this one get a bit of love as it's definitely an oldie but a goodie. Thought it might be worth pointing out a few things about the video. Firstly you describe the 3 actions as phases and I feel that might cause some confusion as on your turn you usually pick one option instead of them happening in order. You also didn't mention the exact currency rule (if you pay for a building with an exact amount you gain another action) and I feel this is one of the most fun mechanics of the game. Feels great when you plan well and manage to chain a few buys on one turn! Also I totally agree with you about the random draws of currency which can totally slow the game down if there isn't a good match between money and buildings. I am fortunate enough to own the Big Box version and although I haven't tried most of the modules there is one that introduces diamond money. It functions as a wild currency (although it can't be combined with other colours) so is very flexible and might help avoid this issue. There is also another that lets you take change (a coin of any colour) when you overpay for a tile. Pretty these are part of the first or second expansions and they are modules I would always choose to use. Anyway excellent video as always. Enjoy the variety of games you cover (both old and new).

[@BoardGameBollocks]

We’ve been playing it wrong? Wow...thought you grabbed money every turn then took a tile or rearranged as your action. Forgot about the exact cash rule tbh...thanks for pointing it out 👍

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Just had a look at the rules and you’re right...never mind, we still had a laugh and that’s all the matters innit.

[@tabletopcloset8992]

​@@BoardGameBollocks Aye, although if all players are getting an equal number of actions every turn then it probably still balances out, so could see it playing fine that way as well. Exactly, that's all that matters. 👍

[@ericmattar-hurlbut2317]

Have you seen the newest stand alone on Kickstarter? Alhambra the Red Palace? If so, what do you like or don't like about this game?

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Not seen it. Don’t do KS so probably won’t play it anytime soon 👍🏻

[@ericmattar-hurlbut2317]

@@BoardGameBollocks I didn't think so, it wouldn't fall into your KZbin channel. Queen Games also likes to do short 10 day Kickstarter runs. More like a pre-order, public interest than a small company with a dream to make it big. They put out good games, but have sometimes played fast and loose on some pledge drives. My last one I cancelled, but this looks interesting. Not as simple and relaxing as the original.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

It’s so the burden of cost falls on the consumer. The deluxe version of the original is a fantastic production so I’ll stick with that. Well worth it if you can find it.

[@diamondmeeple]

Man U or Liverpool? :-D

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Liverpool...Jan Molby moosh

[@diamondmeeple]

@@BoardGameBollocks Hehe, I am not that much into football myself. What got you hooked on board games?

[@MystiqWisdom]

Why are you speaking like you're standing over a sleeping baby in a video review?

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Because I’m standing over a sleeping baby...duh!