Citadels

The Basics
Description: Players seek to build a collection of buildings worth from one to eight points. Once someones built eight buildings, then the game is over and the player with the highest total value wins. However to facilitate the process (and make the game interesting), players sequentially choose a character from a rapidly dwindling pool of eight each turn. The characters give players special abilities for the turn.

This is a rock solid cut throat game. Better in person than online IMHO.

How to Play

• Spielezeit (Power Point)
• Book Shelf Games (Video)
  
• Thread at the Geek (Web Guide)
  
• Fantasy Flight Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I like it live, but Amarriner and Java are a ok)

• Amarriner: Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
  
• Citadelles Java Game: Solo or Real Time (Free - Registration Required)
• Frenopatico: Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
• Brett Spiel Welt: (Free - Registration Required)
• Free PC Version at FIADE (Freeware Download)
  

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

• Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
• Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
• Player Mat (Downloads a ZIP)
• Fancy Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
• Two Player Variant (Downloads a Word Doc)
• Cheat Sheet (Downloads a Word Doc)
  
• All Characters Cards (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

• Basic Strategy: Thread at the Geek
• My Tips: I like playing this game, but I stink don't take my advice.
  

Views

• Opinion: I enjoy this game. I like the base version more. But it is fun to play, even though I always lose.
• Online: Works fine online, via AI on the PC.
• Work: Could be to long and to many folks for lunch time play. Two Player variant or after some online play, lunch time play might work.
  
• Home: Solid game to play at home, but with folks who don't mind back stabbing.
  

Other Info

• Plays best with: Works best with 5 players, can play 2-7.
• Gateway Suitability: Middle of the road for gateway. With player aids and a once over on the rules, folks should grasp the game.
• Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it yet.
• Re-playability:Very high if folks know how to play it.
• Real Life Setup: A few minutes for sorting cards.
• Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansion 50-60 minutes.
• Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/478