Family Game Night Ideas: The Treasure Game of Splendor (2014)

Game Available on Amazon

Who will become the wealthiest Merchant and acquire the most Prestige in the game of Splendor? That is the question.  To answer this question, players take on the role of a merchant during the Renaissance. You will invest in mines, trade valuable gemstones, and strive to develop your resources to earn visits from nobles, gaining more and more Prestige as play continues. 

When a player of Splendor reaches 15 Prestige points, the round is quickly completed. The player with the most Prestige at the end of the round is declared the winner. Will it be the first person who gained 15 points or will another Merchant slip past him? You never know!

The game of Splendor is for 2-4 players ages 10 and up.  It is simple to set up, learn, and play.  A game usually lasts less than 30 minutes.

The game consists of Tokens which represent Gemstones of 6 different types and Gold. These are collected and then used to develop businesses to gain Prestige.

The game also includes Development Cards.  These are of 3 different levels. To start the game, 4 of each level are revealed in a row. The remaining stack is set facedown. Whenever a player takes from the row, another card is immediately revealed in its place. 

Development Cards are purchased with tokens.  The cost is noted on the card. (down the left side).  What a Merchant gains by purchasing the Card is also noted (at the top).  He can gain Prestige points (top left) and/or bonuses (on the top right).  Bonuses act like ‘Gemstones’ but are never used up. The cards are kept faceup in front of you. 

And lastly, the game includes the Noble Cards. These are placed along the top (one more than number of players). Prestige points granted (top left) for those players with correct amount of Gemstones in front of them (down left side).

Below is a set up for 4 players. 5 Nobles across the top, development cards of 3 levels (3,2, 1 dots on cards/blue/yellow/green), and Tokens of Gemstones and Gold at bottom for all players to work from.

Players of Splendor have multiple actions they can choose to take per turn. What action will be best to take?

• Will you take 3 different Gemstones? Or two of one kind?

• Will you purchase a ‘development card’ with your Gemstones?

• Will you reserve a ‘development card’ and take a Gold Token (which acts as Joker)? (to reserve a card, you just take it in your hand)

After your choice, before the end of your turn, you check to see if you have acquired enough ‘Gemstones’ to receive a visit from a Noble.

That is the basic game.  Collect tokens, purchase cards, and gain Prestige!  Simple but lots of fun to play.  Choices are key in the game and sometimes difficult to make.

However, the choice to play is an easy one!

Play a game today!