Zapotec

Deep in the valleys around an ancient city, a world of temples, maize fields and small villages unfolds. In Zapotec you step into the shoes of a people that really existed long ago. You build, you gather and you make offerings to the gods. Together at the table you discover how a civilisation comes into bloom, stone by stone. Each round you all choose a card from your hand at the same time. That card decides three things: which resources you bring in, where you may build on the map, and who takes their turn. With what you gather you build houses and pyramids, and you gain access to special powers. Every choice feels different, because you always have to weigh up what you take now and what you leave behind for someone else. After five rounds you add up the points for your pyramids, your offerings and your rituals. Zapotec plays with two to four people, and there is also a variant for when you are at the table on your own. Count on about seventy-five minutes in which you get completely absorbed in building something beautiful.