Azul is more than a board game; it’s an experience where strategy meets art. Draft colorful tiles, build intricate mosaics, and outsmart your opponents in this award-winning masterpiece. Whether you’re a family looking for simple fun or a strategist aiming for glory, Azul’s gameplay is as addictive as it is beautiful.
But Azul doesn’t stop at the basics. Add a twist with the Azul Drinking Game, where tiles and sips go hand in hand, or uncover what your gameplay says about your personality—are you a cautious planner or a bold saboteur? With exciting versions like Azul Mini and Master Chocolatier, there’s an Azul for every mood.
Table of Contents
What is Azul Board Game?
Azul is a strategy and tile-placement board game inspired by the intricate beauty of Portuguese azulejos – decorative ceramic tiles. Designed by Michael Kiesling and first released in 2017, it quickly captured global attention, even winning the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2018.
How to Play Azul: Rules and Setup
Game Components
Before you start crafting your masterpiece, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the game components:
- Tile Factories: These hold the tiles players draft each round.
- Player Boards: Each player gets their own board to place tiles and track scores.
- Tiles: Beautifully colored tiles in five designs serve as the heart of the game.
- Scoreboard and Starting Player Marker: For keeping track of progress and turn order.
Setting Up the Game
- Place the circular factory displays in the center of the table.
- Randomly fill each factory with four tiles from the bag.
- Give each player a player board and scoring marker.
- Determine the starting player by passing the marker.
Gameplay Basics
- Drafting Tiles: On your turn, pick all tiles of one color from a factory and move the rest to the center pile.
- Placing Tiles: Add selected tiles to your player board’s pattern lines.
- Scoring: After each round, transfer completed rows from the pattern lines to your wall and score points based on placement.
Scoring in Azul
- Earn points for horizontal and vertical rows/columns.
- Bonus points are awarded for completed rows, columns, and sets of all five tiles of a color.
- Watch out for penalties! Unplaced tiles cost you points.
Fun House Rules to Spice Up Azul
Bored of the same old Azul? Try these creative house rules to keep things interesting:
1. Timed Drafting
Set a timer for each turn. If a player doesn’t choose tiles before the timer runs out, they must draft the smallest group from the central pool.
2. Drafting Auction
Players bid points to choose their draft order. Spend too many points early, and you’ll pay the price later!
3. Team Play
Pair up players to create teams. Each team works on a shared mosaic board, combining their strategies.
4. Randomized Patterns
Roll a die to determine a mandatory tile placement for the round. For example:
- 1: All tiles must be placed in the first row.
- 2: No tiles can go in the last column.
5. Bonus Boards
Create custom boards with unique scoring challenges, such as double points for diagonal rows or penalties for incomplete corners.
Solo Play Azul Variants and Strategies
Did you know Azul is just as fun solo as it is with a group? While it doesn’t have an official solo mode, the community has devised some fantastic variants:
Greedy AI Solo Variant
- Setup: Draft tiles for an imaginary opponent (the “greedy AI”) after each of your turns.
- Rules: The AI always takes the largest group of tiles available.
- Goal: Beat the AI’s score using clever drafting and placement.
Time Trial Mode
- Play against the clock! Draft and place all tiles within a time limit per turn.
- Focus on completing rows or columns as fast as possible.
Puzzle Challenge
- Randomize the initial setup and set specific scoring goals (e.g., achieve 50 points in five rounds).
Solo Strategy Tips:
- Focus on minimizing penalties by managing your floor line.
- Save high-scoring rows and columns for later rounds to maximize points.
Azul Drinking Game for Fun Parties
Who says Azul has to be all about strategy and polite competition? Let’s shake things up with drinking board game twists that will have you laughing, strategizing, and maybe slightly uncoordinated by the end.
The Azul Drinking Game Basics
Supplies Needed:
- Your Azul game of choice (original, Summer Pavilion, Stained Glass of Sintra, or Queen’s Garden).
- Drinks of your choice (wine, beer, cocktails, or mocktails if you prefer).
- Optional: A “penalty shot” drink for extra chaos.
Ground Rules:
- Be responsible! Know your limits and ensure everyone is on board with the fun.
- Use sips, not gulps, unless you’re ready for an early night.
Fun Drinking Rules for Azul Board Game
1. Floor Tile Fiasco
What Happens: Every time you place a tile in the floor line (negative points row), take a sip for each tile you drop.
- Wild Card: If you fill your entire floor line, you must do a penalty shot or finish your drink.
- Pro Tip: Strategically sabotage your opponents to make them drink more!
2. First Player Funk
What Happens:
The first player to take tiles from the center pool and claim the First Player Token takes a sip for their boldness.
- Extra Twist: If you take the First Player Token twice in a row, you must make a toast to the group before sipping.
3. Color Chaos
What Happens:
Each player chooses a color at the start of the game. Whenever someone drafts tiles of that color, they must take a sip.
- Wild Card: If someone drafts all tiles of their chosen color in a single turn, everyone else drinks!
4. Perfect Placement Payoff
What Happens:
Score big, sip small!
- For every tile you place in a row or column scoring 5+ points, make someone else drink.
- If you complete a row, column, or color set, call out “Azul!” and everyone but you takes a sip.
5. Joker Tile Jinx (for versions with wild tiles)
What Happens:
Whenever a player drafts a wild tile (or joker tile), they must take a sip and declare something “wild” they’ve done recently.
- Bonus Rule: If they can’t think of anything wild, they take an extra sip as a penalty.
6. Stained Glass Silliness (Stained Glass of Sintra version)
What Happens:
- Every time you flip a column, take a sip for its “transformation.”
- If someone finishes a column with the bonus color, everyone takes a celebratory sip for their “artistic masterpiece.”
7. Summer Pavilion Shenanigans (Summer Pavilion version)
What Happens:
- Take a sip each time you save tiles for the next round (hoarders gotta hydrate!).
- Every time someone gets a chain bonus (from completing multiple patterns in a single turn), they can choose someone else to drink.
8. Queen’s Garden Quirks (Queen’s Garden version)
What Happens:
- If you place a tile in the wild center area, declare yourself “Royalty” and make someone else drink while you sip your “royal beverage.”
- Take a sip every time you pick a hex tile and curse the “complexity of life.”
9. The Azul Anthem (Any Version)
What Happens:
- Before the game begins, everyone comes up with a silly Azul-themed chant. For example:
“Draft those tiles, make a row, don’t let your floor line grow!” - If anyone forgets the chant during the game, they must finish their drink.
10. Tile Drafting Duel (Any Version)
What Happens:
If two players go after the same color in the same turn (causing chaos in the center pool), they have to duel:
- Both take a sip, stare each other down, and declare their strategy like it’s a wrestling match.
- Loser (determined by a group vote) takes an extra sip!
What Your Azul Tile Choices Reveal About Your MBTI
Azul may be an abstract game, but your moves reveal more about your personality than you’d think! Let’s decode your gameplay style:
1. The Hoarder (ISTJ – The Logistician)
- Traits: You stockpile tiles, saving them for big moves, and prefer slow, methodical progress.
- MBTI Match: As an ISTJ, you value planning and discipline. Your reserved demeanor shines in Azul as you focus on long-term goals and avoid unnecessary risks.
- What It Says: You’re pragmatic and dependable, thriving on strategy that rewards careful preparation.
2. The Saboteur (ENTJ – The Commander)
- Traits: You draft tiles purely to block others, even if it costs you points, and love throwing wrenches into opponents’ plans.
- MBTI Match: ENTJs are natural leaders who enjoy outmaneuvering others. In Azul, you embrace the competitive spirit and don’t mind sacrificing short-term gains for strategic dominance.
- What It Says: You’re bold, assertive, and thrive on competition, always planning three moves ahead to stay in control.
3. The Perfectionist (INFJ – The Advocate)
- Traits: You obsess over completing rows and columns in the perfect order, striving for harmony on your board.
- MBTI Match: INFJs are idealists who love structure and meaning. In Azul, you’re drawn to creating aesthetically pleasing mosaics that align with your vision of balance and beauty.
- What It Says: You’re thoughtful and principled, finding joy in both the journey and the end result.
4. The Opportunist (ESTP – The Entrepreneur)
- Traits: You adapt to whatever tiles are available, maximizing immediate points and seizing every opportunity.
- MBTI Match: ESTPs are spontaneous and resourceful, thriving in fast-paced environments. In Azul, you’re a quick thinker who loves turning chaos into opportunity.
- What It Says: You’re adaptable, confident, and live for the thrill of making the most out of every situation.
5. The Wild Card (ENFP – The Campaigner)
- Traits: You make unexpected moves, keeping everyone on their toes with creative and unconventional strategies.
- MBTI Match: ENFPs are imaginative and playful, often thinking outside the box. In Azul, you experiment with bold moves and embrace the fun of the game over rigid strategy.
- What It Says: You’re enthusiastic, innovative, and love bringing energy and creativity to every situation.
Azul Board Game Versions and Expansions
The Azul series offers a variety of games and expansions tailored to different preferences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the main versions, complete with pricing, player counts, and play durations:
Different Versions of Azul
1. Azul (2017)
- Amazon Price: $19.99
- Players: 2-4
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- The game that started it all, offering a perfect blend of strategy and simplicity. Players draft tiles to create stunning mosaics while balancing scoring opportunities and penalties. Its elegant mechanics and visual appeal make it a staple in any board game collection.
2. Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra (2018)
- Amazon Price: $31.99
- Players: 2-4
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- This sequel focuses on crafting stained glass windows with vertical column placement and unique scoring mechanics. Its added complexity appeals to experienced players.
3. Azul: Summer Pavilion (2019)
- Target Price: $10.99
- Players: 2-4
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- Adds wild tiles and flexible placement options, making it a more forgiving and strategic choice. A great step up from the original for those seeking deeper gameplay.
4. Azul: Queen’s Garden (2021)
- Target Price: $39.99
- Players: 2-4
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- The most complex entry in the series, featuring hex tiles and multi-layered scoring systems. Perfect for hardcore strategists and advanced players.
Notable Expansions and Variations
1. Azul: Crystal Mosaic (2020)
- Amazon Price: $12.49
- Components: 4 double-sided boards, plastic overlays
- Adds new boards and overlays to the original Azul, enhancing gameplay precision and introducing slight scoring changes.
2. Azul: Glazed Pavilion (2021)
- Target Price: $10.99
- Components: 4 double-sided boards, 1 central board, plastic overlays
- Designed for Summer Pavilion, this expansion offers alternative layouts and new scoring challenges, revitalizing the game for seasoned players.
3. Azul: Master Chocolatier (2022)
- Target Price: $44.99 (Out of Store)
- Players: 2-4
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- A sweet twist on the original with tiles resembling chocolates and an Advanced Mode for added variability. It’s a reskin with a flavorful theme and slight tweaks.
4. Azul Mini (2019)
- Amazon Price: $19.99
- Players: 2-4
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- A compact, travel-sized version of the original Azul. It retains the core gameplay while making it more portable for on-the-go gaming sessions. Perfect for vacations, coffee shop meetups, or game nights away from home.
5. 5211: Azul Edition (2019)
- Players: 2-5
- Play Time: 20 minutes
- A reskinned version of the card game 5211, featuring Azul-inspired tile designs. Players compete to play cards strategically, avoiding color busts and maximizing points in quick, engaging rounds.
Which Azul Should You Choose?
- For Beginners and Families: Start with the Original Azul for its intuitive gameplay.
- For Portability: Choose Azul Mini, a smaller version of the original.
- For Strategy Enthusiasts: Queen’s Garden delivers complex, brain-teasing gameplay.
- For Casual Fun: Opt for Summer Pavilion with its forgiving mechanics and wild tiles.
- For Aesthetics Lovers: Stained Glass of Sintra dazzles with its vertical gameplay and vibrant tiles.
DIY Azul Board Game: Craft Your Own Masterpiece
Can’t find Azul at your local store or just love a creative challenge? Why not make your own DIY version of the Azul board game? It’s a fun, rewarding project that brings a personal touch to this beloved game. Here’s how to get started:
1. Gather Your Materials
You’ll need the following supplies to craft your DIY Azul:
- Tiles: Use materials like painted wooden squares, acrylic gems, or polymer clay to recreate Azul’s vibrant tiles.
- Player Boards: Draw or print designs on sturdy cardboard or craft foam to mimic the original boards.
- Factory Displays: Create circular factory boards from foam sheets or thick cardstock.
- Tile Bag: Repurpose a small drawstring bag or sew your own from fabric.
- Scoring Track: Use graph paper or a ruler and markers to draw your scoring track.
2. Design Your Tiles
Azul tiles are known for their intricate patterns.
- Option 1: Use paint pens or stickers to decorate plain wooden squares.
- Option 2: Print tile patterns on adhesive paper, then stick them onto your tiles.
- Option 3: Sculpt tiles from polymer clay, bake them, and paint the designs by hand.
3. Create the Game Boards
- Draw or print the mosaic grid and pattern lines on cardboard.
- Laminate the boards or cover them with clear contact paper for durability.
4. Assemble the Factory Displays
- Cut foam or cardstock into circles and decorate them with simple designs.
- Ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold multiple tiles during gameplay.
5. Rules and Components
Download the official Azul rulebook from the publisher’s website, or write your own simplified version if you’re customizing the game.
6. Add Your Creative Twist
One of the best parts of a DIY Azul is making it your own!
- Theme it: Change the theme to suit your interests, like gemstones, seashells, or sweets.
- Customize the tiles: Add unique patterns or even your family’s initials.
- Expand the boards: Create larger boards for extra challenge and fun.
7. Test and Play
Gather friends or family and give your DIY Azul a spin! It’s a fantastic way to combine creativity with strategy while enjoying the fruits of your effort.
With your DIY Azul board game, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind set that’s sure to impress everyone at your next game night. Ready to start crafting? Let the fun begin!
Comparing Azul to Similar Games
If you love Azul, chances are you’ve wondered how it compares to other hit games in the tile-placement or abstract strategy genres. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Azul vs. Sagrada
- Theme: While Azul focuses on Portuguese tiles, Sagrada has players crafting stained glass windows.
- Gameplay: Azul is simpler and more tactile, while Sagrada introduces dice drafting for added complexity.
- Best For: Azul is great for casual players; Sagrada is ideal for those seeking a deeper puzzle.
Azul vs. Cascadia
- Theme: Cascadia revolves around wildlife and ecosystems rather than decorative tiles.
- Gameplay: Cascadia offers more open-ended strategy, while Azul’s rules are stricter.
- Best For: Azul for quick, structured gameplay; Cascadia for nature lovers and sandbox strategists.
Each game has its unique appeal, so your choice depends on your mood and gaming group. But why not own them all?