Azul The Modern Board Game in Colors

Azul is a colorful and elegant board game that has won hearts around the world since its release in 2017. With its beautiful design, simple rules, and deep strategy, it has quickly become a modern classic – both for beginners and seasoned board game enthusiasts. In this article, you’ll get a thorough introduction to Azul: how it’s played, what makes it unique, and why it’s suitable for both family fun and intense competitions.

What is Azul?

Azul is an abstract board game for 2-4 players, designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Plan B Games. The game is inspired by an artistic tradition from Portugal, where decorative ceramic tiles (azulejos) adorn castles and palaces. Players compete to decorate the walls of the royal Portuguese palace of Evora and score points for beautiful patterns and clever moves.

• Number of players: 2-4
• Play time: 30-45 minutes
• Age group: From 8 years and up
• Known for: Award-winning design, simple rules, deep strategy

How Azul is played

Game components

Azul is known for its beautiful, heavy pieces that resemble real ceramic tiles. Each player has their own player board, and the center of the table is filled with "factories" – round tiles where the pieces are placed. The components include:

• 100 colorful tiles in five different patterns
• 4 individual player boards
• Factory tiles (round)
• A score marker and score board
• A cloth bag for the tiles

Gameplay

A round in Azul takes place in three phases:

1. Pick tiles: Players take turns choosing all tiles of one type from a factory or the center and move the remaining tiles to the center of the table.
2. Place tiles on your board: Chosen tiles must be placed on one row in the player's "pattern line." Excess tiles go to the floor and subtract points.
3. Move to the wall & score points: When a row is full, one tile is moved to the wall and scores points depending on how well it fits into the pattern.

The game ends when a player completes a horizontal row on their wall. Then final points are counted for completed rows, columns, and use of all five tile types.

The rules in brief

• You may only take one type of tile at a time – the rest remain or are moved to the center.
• Tiles must be placed on one of your five pattern lines – no mixing on the same row.
• If you take more tiles than there is space for, the excess goes on the "floor" and gives minus points.
• Only one tile from each filled row may be moved to the wall per round.
• Points are given for connected tiles on the wall – the more that are adjacent, the more points you get.

Strategy and tips for Azul

Plan your moves

Although Azul is easy to learn, there is plenty of strategy hidden within:

• Think several rounds ahead – it can pay off to build certain patterns or wait to take specific tiles.
• Keep an eye on what your opponents are collecting, and try to limit their options.
• Avoid minus points by taking the right number of tiles – or try to "push" excess tiles over to your opponents.

Maximizing points

Big point scores are achieved by making long rows and columns as well as by filling all positions of one tile type. It can be tempting to go for one specific color, but flexibility often yields better results.

Azul’s history and awards

Azul was designed by Michael Kiesling and released in 2017. The game quickly became an international success and has won a number of awards, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in 2018, as well as the Danish Guldbrikken for Family Game of the Year.

• Spiel des Jahres 2018
• Guldbrikken 2018 (Denmark)
• More than 2 million copies sold
• Translated into over 30 languages

The Azul series: More games in the same universe

Due to its huge success, Azul has received several standalone sequels, which build on the original game’s mechanics:

• Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra – Build colorful windows with new placement rules.
• Azul: Summer Pavilion – Introduces new strategic options and a more open game board.
• Azul: Queen's Garden – For more experienced players with even deeper strategy.

All versions are independent games, but share the gorgeous design and strategic focus.

Why is Azul so popular?

• Fantastic material quality: The tiles feel heavy and luxurious, and the visual expression is inviting.
• Easy access: The rules are intuitive, so you can get started quickly.
• Strategic depth: The game rewards planning and tactical choices.
• High replay value: Every game feels different, as the setup varies and opponents’ choices matter a lot.
• For the whole family: Both children, adults, and grandparents can join in – and have fun!

How to get started with Azul

Purchase and setup

Azul can be purchased at most Danish board game stores or online. Unpack the box, mix the tiles in the bag, and distribute them to the factories – then you’re ready for your first round!

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Variations and house rules

Experienced players can add small variations: for example, playing on the back of the player board, where tile placement is free and the difficulty increases. This adds even more strategic depth.

Azul in the Danish board game community

Azul is a regular feature at board game cafés and board game nights all over the country. Its accessibility and beautiful appearance make it an obvious gift idea – and a great way to introduce new players to modern board games.

Conclusion: Try Azul – and get hooked on color and strategy

If you’re looking for a board game that combines beautiful aesthetics, easy rules, and plenty of depth, Azul is an obvious choice. Whether you play with family, friends, or at a cozy game night, Azul will challenge you to think tactically – and might even inspire you to explore more modern board games.