What is the objective of the game Splendor?

Splendor is a captivating and strategic board game designed by Marc André and published by Space Cowboys. The game's objective is to amass prestige points by acquiring gem cards, developing your economic engine, and gaining the favor of nobles during the Renaissance era. Splendor is renowned for its engaging gameplay that combines resource management, card collection, and strategic planning. Here's a detailed exploration of the objective and gameplay of Splendor:

  1. Game Setup:
    • Players assume the roles of wealthy Renaissance merchants seeking to acquire gem mines, transportation, and shops to establish their trading empires.
    • The game board features rows of face-up development cards, each requiring specific gem combinations to purchase.
    • Noble tiles depicting influential nobles are placed adjacent to the board.
  2. Objective:
    • The primary objective of Splendor is to earn 15 prestige points before your opponents by collecting gem cards, acquiring developments, and earning the favor of nobles.
  3. Resource: Gem Tokens:
    • The game features four types of gem tokens—diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies—as well as gold tokens acting as wildcards.
    • Players collect gem tokens to purchase development cards and attract nobles.
  4. Acquiring Gem Cards:
    • Players can acquire gem cards from the central tableau by spending gem tokens to match the required gem combinations shown on the card.
    • These gem cards serve as permanent resources, reducing the cost of future purchases and earning prestige points.
  5. Developing and Reserving Cards:
    • Players can either acquire face-up gem cards or reserve one development card to their personal tableau, which is a private card area.
    • Reserving a card grants a gold token and the option to purchase the reserved card later.
  6. Attracting Nobles:
    • Noble tiles require players to meet specific gem token requirements to earn their favor.
    • If a player fulfills the gem requirements of a noble, they receive the noble tile, which provides immediate prestige points.
  7. Economic Engine:
    • As players acquire gem cards, they build an economic engine that generates resources without requiring direct spending.
    • Owning gem cards acts as a permanent resource pool, allowing players to purchase more expensive development cards as the game progresses.
  8. Prestige Points and Victory:
    • Development cards feature prestige points indicated in the bottom corner.
    • Each noble tile provides a set number of prestige points based on the required gems.
    • Players accumulate prestige points from development cards, noble tiles, and any bonuses acquired.
  9. End of the Game:
    • The game ends when a player reaches or exceeds 15 prestige points at the end of their turn.
    • All players complete their current turn, and the player with the highest prestige points wins.

Splendor's objective of acquiring gem cards, developing your economic engine, and earning noble favor creates a unique and engaging gameplay experience. Players must carefully manage their gem tokens, balance short-term and long-term goals, and anticipate their opponents' moves. The game's strategic depth and elegant mechanics make it a favorite among players who enjoy resource management, card collection, and engine-building games.