Overview
Splendor is a quick strategy game where you assume the role of a wealthy merchant tasked with acquiring precious stones. I came across Splendor in my search for a good game to play with my wife, and it did not disappoint. With 2 people you can finish a game within 30 minutes, so we usually end up playing a few rounds.
Components
There are 3 decks of cards (going from most affordable/least valuable to most expensive/most valuable), a set of nobles cards, and 6 types of gem chips. The cards feel sturdy and are beautifully illustrated. They card designs look different (in a good way) than what is pictured on Amazon. The nobles cards are nice and thick. The chips feel very solid and have a nice weight to them. They do not feel cheap.
Gameplay
Splendor is deceptively easy to learn and plays fairly quickly - if people are paying attention. Paying attention is key, because everyone’s cards/tokens are available for all to see at all times. Setup involves shuffling the 3 separate decks of cards (labelled I, II, and III on the back) and laying out 4 cards from each deck next to the decks. There are also nobel cards that will be shuffled and placed on the table for everyone to see. Amazon’s picture shows how the playing area is set up. The last component are the chips which are stacked up and placed in view of all players. Players take turns deciding if they want to take 2 chips of the same color, 3 chips of different colors, buying a card with chips they already have, or reserving a card. Once you buy a card, it’s value can be put toward the purchase of other cards, and you do not lose any cards you’ve purchased. Some of the cards have numbers on them which represent victory points. The first to 15 victory points wins. The nobles can be earned by obtaining the number of cards listed on the noble’s card (ex 3 blue cards, 3 red cards, 2 white cards). Whoever is the first to obtain the required cards automatically gets the noble card and the victory points along with it.
While the idea of collecting chips to buy cards is simple enough, there is a bit of strategy needed if you want to win. If you don’t have a plan to buy certain colors, in order to buy other colors, in order to finally acquire a certain noble, you may very well end up losing. And even when you have a plan, sometimes the chips you want or the card you want are no longer available, and you have to make a plan B. Part of the fun comes in when you figure out what your opponent is trying to do, and reserve or buy the card they needed, just to cut them down a peg. Some might think its a jerk move (AKA my wife) but I’m playing to win!
If people are paying attention and thinking about what they want to do on their turn, then turns, and games can go by pretty quickly. 15 points is not a lot once you figure out how to play the game. But if you have that person that you always have to say “hey it's your turn” then the game will take a bit longer. The game plays great with just 2 people up to the max of 4 people. There is plenty of replayability and you will have to adjust your strategy a little each time depending on the cards and nobles in play.
Summary
I own a number of board games (such as Dominion, Smash Up, Munchkin, 7 Wonders, Citadels, Love Letter), most of which are more complex than Splendor. Whenever I want to relax and play a game with my wife, Splendor is one of my first choices. It’s quick enough that we can easily fit in a game or two, yet has enough strategy to make it an enjoyable game to come back to again and again. I paid around $30 for the game, which I felt was a fair price. It is a great for light gaming but people who have played heavier board games can also enjoy it.
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From the brand
From the manufacturer
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The European Renaissance opened up more ways of becoming rich than the continent had ever known before. |
Global trade routes became a reality. Nobles, once content with large castles and fur robes, now seek dark sapphires and glittering diamonds. |
Experience the riches of this era in Splendor, a fast, elegant, and intuitive game in which players vie for control of gem mines, trade routes, and storefronts to master the gem trade and attract the attention of nobles. |
Become the most influential and rich merchant at the jewelry market by optimizing your trading strategy. In this competitive world your strategy must be flawless if you intend to win, by collecting the most prestige points! |
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Priceless gems, exotic places, and noble patrons! Splendor’s elegantly simple gameplay is supported by plentiful historic detail and beautiful components. |
Players begin the game by collecting gem tokens. If you manage to produce just the right jewels, a noble patron, perhaps even King Henry VIII or Queen Isabella of Spain, will take you under their wing. |
With simple rules and streamlined set collection mechanics, Splendor is an excellent game for younger or less experienced gamers. |
A simple but unique economy makes Splendor easy to learn, but offers a challenging puzzle every time. |
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| Splendor (Base Game) | Cities of Splendor (Expansion) | Splendor Marvel | Splendor Duel | Jamaica (New Edition) | Jaipur | |
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| Price | $22.61 | — | $34.99 | $28.80 | $44.99 | $29.95 |
| Type of Game | Board Game | Board Game | Board Game | Board Game | Board Game | Board Game |
| Number of Players | 2-4 Players | 2-4 Players | 2-4 Players | 2 Players | 2-6 Players | 2 Players |
| Average Playtime | 30 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 30-60 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
| Recommended Player Age | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 8+ | 10+ |
| Game Objectives | Renaissance merchants race to grab gems, acquire property, and please nobility. | Enjoy four new ways to play Splendor! | Race to be the first to collect all infinity stones and get the Infinity Gauntlet. | Confront your rival guild in a race for victory. Take Gem and Pearl tokens from the common board, then purchase cards, gather bonuses, royal favors and prestige. | Race around Jamaica to claim its spoils. Beware! The fastest doesn't always win! | Become the Maharaja’s personal trader |
| Strategy Game | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Theme | Renaissance Merchants | Renaissance Merchants | Marvel | Renaissance Merchants | Pirates | Ancient Indian Market |
| Set Collection Game | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Resource Management Game | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expansion(s) Available | ✓ | is an expansion | is a standalone | is a standalone | ✓ | is a standalone |
Videos
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HONEST review of Splendor Gameplay & Quality..
The Guglietti's
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Why Splendor Is My Favorite Board Game
Corbin Reviews
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1:56
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My Familys FAVORITE Game | Watch This BEFORE You Buy
Kristin Vance
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1:52
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SPLENDOR - My ALL TIME FAVORITE strategy game right now!
burnout MEDIA
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1:44
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Brief Game Explanation + Honest Review of Splendor!
Jules Miller ✅
Videos for this product
3:14
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Marvel Splendor vs Splendor - what is the difference?
Jon&Stef O
Videos for this product
3:35
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Beginner friendly, interesting for all kinds of players
Zachary M Foster
Reviews with images
Engaging and FUN for the whole Family!!!
I’m super impressed with the age range that can play this game together. It’s such a great game!
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2023
Style: SplendorVerified Purchase
This has become one of my favorite games. Right off the bat it's a high quality box with great cardboard tiles, thick plastic tokens, and good cards.
Gameplay:
This is a game for almost anyone. Though I think the 10+ age suggestion is a good one. It has an excellent balance between luck and skill and strategy that makes no two games alike. The more players there are, the more complicated and difficult it is, but even with two players it is enjoyable. Some games can be up to an hour, but most are in the half-hour range.
Pros:
I think this is a great game to have in the game closet as it's easy to pick up, play, and put away. It is very easy to learn which makes it a great one to play with newbies. The rulebook is clear and concise which also helps.
Cons:
The box is way bigger than it needs to be. It could definitely fit into a smaller box like Coup or the Resistance (which are somewhat similar games) and not have such a large plastic insert.
Overall this is a great game I'd recommend to anyone!
Gameplay:
This is a game for almost anyone. Though I think the 10+ age suggestion is a good one. It has an excellent balance between luck and skill and strategy that makes no two games alike. The more players there are, the more complicated and difficult it is, but even with two players it is enjoyable. Some games can be up to an hour, but most are in the half-hour range.
Pros:
I think this is a great game to have in the game closet as it's easy to pick up, play, and put away. It is very easy to learn which makes it a great one to play with newbies. The rulebook is clear and concise which also helps.
Cons:
The box is way bigger than it needs to be. It could definitely fit into a smaller box like Coup or the Resistance (which are somewhat similar games) and not have such a large plastic insert.
Overall this is a great game I'd recommend to anyone!
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Jessica
A fun game for the whole family
Reviewed in Canada on August 11, 2022Style: SplendorVerified Purchase
Theo
Great entry level card game
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2024Style: SplendorVerified Purchase
Bernd
Bestes Brettspiel ever.
Reviewed in Germany on October 1, 2023Style: SplendorVerified Purchase
Shraddha Zavare
At this price range it's good quality game.
Reviewed in India on June 20, 2023Style: SplendorVerified Purchase
Shraddha Zavare
Reviewed in India on June 20, 2023
Images in this review
Mar�a Regina C�rdenas
Muy divertido, incluso para 2 jugadores
Reviewed in Spain on February 11, 2019Style: SplendorVerified Purchase
