Agricola is a strategic board game designed by Uwe Rosenberg. Set in the late Middle Ages, players take on the role of farmers working to develop their own farms. The game involves a mix of resource management, worker placement, and strategy as players build their farms, raise animals, and improve their family’s living conditions.
Game Concept: Agricola
Components
Game Board:
- The board has various sections for the action spaces, resources, and development tracks.
Player Boards:
- Each player has a personal board representing their farm. This includes spaces for fields, pastures, and home improvements.
Action Cards:
- These cards represent various actions players can take during their turns, such as building improvements, growing crops, or acquiring animals.
Resource Tokens:
- Tokens for resources like wood, clay, reed, and stone. These are used for building and improving the farm.
Farming Tokens:
- Tokens for animals (sheep, pigs, cattle) and crops.
Worker Tokens:
- These represent family members who can perform actions on the board.
Occupation and Improvement Cards:
- These cards provide special abilities and benefits, allowing players to enhance their farm in various ways.
Dice:
- Used to determine the outcome of certain actions or events.
Scoring Sheets:
- Used to tally up points at the end of the game.
Player Markers:
- Used to mark the positions of resources, family members, and other game elements.
Setup
Prepare the Board:
- Set up the main game board, including the action spaces and resource areas. Place the resource tokens in their designated spots.
Distribute Player Boards:
- Each player receives a personal board and places it in front of them. Each board starts with a basic farm layout and some initial resources.
Deal Occupation and Improvement Cards:
- Shuffle and deal a certain number of occupation and improvement cards to each player (the number varies depending on player count and game version).
Set Up Resources:
- Place the resource tokens and farming tokens in the general supply area where all players can access them.
Determine Starting Player:
- Choose the starting player using a random method or following the rules in the rulebook.
Distribute Initial Resources:
- Each player starts with a specific amount of resources and family members, as detailed in the setup instructions.
Gameplay Overview
Agricola is played over a series of rounds, each consisting of several phases where players take actions to develop their farms and improve their family’s living conditions.
Round Phases:
- 1. Action Phase:
- Players take turns performing actions using their worker tokens. Actions can include collecting resources, building structures, growing crops, or acquiring animals.
- 2. Placing Family Members:
- Players place their family members on action spaces to perform actions. Each space can only be occupied once per round, so planning and competition for spaces are key.
- 3. Harvest Phase:
- At the end of each round, players harvest crops, feed their family, and perform other end-of-round tasks. Failing to feed your family results in penalties.
Worker Placement:
- Players take turns placing their workers on action spaces on the board. Each action space allows a specific action, such as gathering resources or building improvements.
Resource Management:
- Resources such as wood, clay, reed, and stone are used to build and improve the farm. Players must carefully manage these resources to expand their farm and improve their living conditions.
Building and Improvements:
- Players can build structures like fences, stables, and rooms, as well as improve their house. Improvements provide various benefits and increase the player's point total.
Animal Husbandry and Farming:
- Players can raise animals and grow crops, which provide food and additional points. Managing animals and crops effectively is crucial to success.
Feeding the Family:
- At the end of each round, players must feed their family members using available food. Failing to do so results in negative points.
Scoring:
- At the end of the game, players calculate their points based on their farm’s development, family size, improvements, and other factors. Points are also deducted for any penalties incurred during the game.
End of the Game:
- The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds. Players tally their points based on their farm’s success, and the player with the highest score wins.
Rules
Worker Placement:
- Each player can place their workers on action spaces to perform actions. Each space can only be used by one player per round.
Resource Management:
- Players must collect and manage resources efficiently. Resources are used to build structures, improve the farm, and feed the family.
Family Growth:
- Players can expand their family by taking specific actions. Growing your family allows for more workers but also increases the need for food.
Harvesting:
- At the end of each round, players harvest crops and manage their animals. Players must feed their family members with food collected or produced.
Building and Improvements:
- Players can build fences, stables, and additional rooms to improve their farm. Improvements enhance the farm's functionality and scoring potential.
Penalties:
- Players incur penalties if they fail to feed their family members or meet other game requirements. Penalties affect the final score.
Scoring:
- Points are awarded based on farm development, family size, improvements, and other criteria. Scoring sheets help track and calculate points.
FAQ
How many players can play Agricola?
- Agricola is designed for 1 to 5 players. There are solo variants and different rules for various player counts.
How does the harvest phase work?
- During the harvest phase, players collect crops from their fields and must feed their family members. If they cannot feed their family, they incur penalties.
Can players trade resources in Agricola?
- Agricola does not include a trading mechanic. Players must manage resources and make strategic decisions based on their farm’s needs.
What happens if I cannot feed my family?
- If a player cannot feed their family, they receive a penalty of negative points for each unfulfilled food requirement. Failure to feed results in significant point loss.
How do occupation and improvement cards work?
- Occupation cards provide special abilities that can enhance a player’s strategy, while improvement cards offer various benefits and bonuses. Players can use these cards to gain advantages and improve their farm.
What are the most important strategies in Agricola?
- Key strategies include efficient resource management, expanding the farm, improving the house, and managing food production. Balancing these aspects is crucial to winning.
Is there a solo variant for Agricola?
- Yes, Agricola includes a solo variant where players compete against a simulated opponent or specific goals. The solo rules can be found in the game’s rulebook or as an expansion.
How long does a game of Agricola typically last?
- The game usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per player. The duration can vary based on the number of players and their familiarity with the game.
Can Agricola be played with expansions?
- Yes, Agricola has several expansions that introduce new cards, mechanics, and gameplay elements. Expansions can enhance the game and provide additional variety.
What should I do if I’m new to Agricola?
- Start with the basic rules and a smaller player count to get familiar with the gameplay. As you gain experience, you can introduce expansions and more complex strategies.
Agricola is a rich and engaging game that challenges players to balance multiple aspects of farm management. Its blend of strategy, resource management, and worker placement offers a deep and rewarding gameplay experience, making it a favorite among board game enthusiasts.