What is the objective of the game Azul?

The objective of the game Azul is to strategically collect and arrange colorful tiles to create beautiful patterns on the player's personal game board. Azul is an abstract strategy game designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Plan B Games.

In Azul, players take on the role of artisans tasked with decorating the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with stunning ceramic tiles. The game features a central game board with a factory display, a supply of colorful tiles, and individual player boards representing each player's palace wall.

The objective is to earn the most points by efficiently selecting and placing tiles on the player's board to complete specific patterns and sets. The game consists of several rounds, and points are scored at the end of each round based on the tiles placed on the player's board.

The core gameplay revolves around the selection of tiles from the factory display. On their turn, players can choose tiles of a single color from one of the factories or take all the tiles of a single color from the center of the display. The chosen tiles are then placed on the player's board in specific patterns, guided by the rules of placement.

Players aim to fill complete rows or columns on their board with tiles, as this triggers scoring opportunities. Completed rows or columns are evaluated, and the player earns points based on the tiles placed in those patterns. The more tiles of a specific color placed, the higher the score for that row or column.

Strategic planning is crucial in Azul. Players must consider the available tiles, the patterns on their board, and the potential scoring opportunities. They must make careful decisions regarding which tiles to select, where to place them, and how to maximize their scoring potential.

The game introduces an interesting mechanic called "floor line." If a player takes more tiles than they can place on their board in a single round, the excess tiles are placed on the floor line, representing wasted or broken tiles. These tiles count as negative points at the end of the round, discouraging players from being overly ambitious in their tile selection.

The end of a round is triggered when all the tiles from the factory display have been claimed. At this point, any remaining tiles on the factories are moved to the floor line. The players then score points based on their completed rows, columns, and specific patterns. After scoring, any remaining tiles on the player's board are discarded, and a new round begins.

Azul offers different strategies and approaches to gameplay. Players can focus on completing specific patterns, maximizing their scoring potential, or utilizing advanced tactics based on the unique abilities provided by some player boards.

The game concludes after a predetermined number of rounds, and the player with the highest total score is declared the winner. Azul combines strategy, spatial reasoning, and tactical decision-making, offering an engaging and visually appealing gameplay experience.

In summary, the objective of the game Azul is to strategically select and place colorful tiles on the player's board to create patterns, complete rows, and score points. Players aim to maximize their scoring opportunities while avoiding excessive tile wastage. With its elegant design and engaging gameplay, Azul offers a captivating experience that rewards careful planning, decision-making, and artistic vision.