Puerto Rico Board Game – Award Winning Strategy Board Game

People seem to be playing more board games these days. Maybe it is a reaction to over saturation of the video game market. Maybe it is seen as more of a social activity. Or maybe it is far cheaper (boards games are generally a fair bit cheaper than video games). Board games are sure to be a popular Christmas toy for kids in 2009.

Whatever the reason may be, playing a good board game can be fun and addictive. It can also be an educational experience as the award winning Puerto Rico board game shows. In fact, if you want an addictive game play experience and have a good learning experience too then the Puerto Rico board game might be for you or one of your children. Above all it makes a good and thoughtful gift or Christmas present for children as it has the fun and addictive qualities of a game and a deeper, educational aspect that will teach them vital skills in commerce and economics.

The main purpose of the game is to be the most prosperous at the end of the game. A game generally lasts around 2 hours. It needs a minimum of 3 and up to 5. The English version of the game is produced by Rio Grande games after adapting the original German version that was created by famous game designer Andreas Seyfarth.

Background to the Game.

The game is set in the time when the West Indies and the new world were first being colonized (known as the Caribbean Expansion) by European nations. On the island of Puerto Rico you have to establish yourself in a particular role. There is Prospector, Captain, Mayor, Trader, Settler, Craftsman, or Builder to choose from. You start with a plantation and some cash. With this, throughout the game play, you use your business acumen and strategy to dominate the island in terms of commerce and trade.

Puerto Rico Game Play.

You can produce certain types of crops. These are Corn, Indigo, Coffee, Sugar and Tobacco. You can sell it, export it back to Europe and expand your enterprise. This may mean building different types of buildings to fit into your growth strategy or your particular role. You can bring people in to work for you.

At the beginning of each round you can take on a different role, again, if it fits in with your win strategy. At the beginning of each new round, the first choice of role goes to the person on the left. The winner of the game is the most prosperous – has the most or win points, building or money.

Each player has their own board and pieces. The quality of the board and pieces is of a good standard (wooden pieces) and will last for a considerable amount of time.

Praise For The Game.

This game has proved to be an extremely popular addition to the strategy board game genre since it’s release in 2002/3. It has been ranked as the best Strategy board game since it was released (only recently dropping to second on this list according to website boardgamegeek). It appeals to people that enjoy strategy games and board games in general. It has a depth and complexity that will keep you coming back for more. You will play it many times and develop new ideas the more you play it. Conversely, it is not hard to get started with this game (although you do have to read the rules and get fairly well acquainted with them to get the most out of the game). The manufacturer recommends that it is for children 12 years and up. Adults will love it too. It is sure to be a great Christmas toy for kids.

It makes a fine educational toy or game for kids and will teach them basic commerce and business skills but primarily will give them an insight into strategic planning.

Go get the Puerto Rico Game today !