Friday, April 12, 2024

#58: 7 Wonders Duel (Mark's Top 100 2024)


7 Wonders Duel

  • rank: 19
  • rating: 8.1
  • published: 2015
  • designer: Antoine Bauza & Bruno Cathala
Print Status
  • in print
Why It's On The List
  • There was a 2 player variant in the original 7 Wonders box... but it wasn't particularly interesting. Enter 7 Wonders Duel, which managed to capture the drafting "feel" of the original game but work perfectly for 2 players.
Tips & Tricks:
  • There are three ways to win: military, science, and points... focusing on military or science can force your opponent to fight to stop you - and short circuit their plans.
  • Wise use of money is key to winning - being cash poor gives your opponent freedom to leave cards out that you can't use.
  • The combination of yellow (commercial) cards and burning cards for cash (increased by each yellow card you have) can be an effective strategy to deny players important cards while increasing your coffers.
Extras
  • The picture above includes the excellent Pantheon expansion... and there is second (also excellent) Agora expansion. I've never played them at the same time, as one son like Pantheon and the other likes Agora.
  • There's a print'n'play solo mode that works - but there are better solo games out there (and on this list).
  • The app actually has a very good AI.
  • This is the first of two games on my top 50 list designed by Antoine Bauza - and I'm willing to bet you can guess what the second one is.

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