Azul is one of my favorite drafting games, delivering a quick yet deeply satisfying experience every time it hits the table. The game is all about drafting tiles efficiently, maximizing your score while trying to disrupt your opponents. Every decision matters, and games tend to be incredibly close, making each round feel tense and rewarding. Whether you’re planning the perfect move or forcing an opponent into taking unwanted tiles, Azul keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Table of Contents
Game Overview
Player Count & Playtime
Azul is designed for 2-4 players and takes around 30 minutes to play, making it a quick yet strategic experience.
Objective
The goal is to score the most points by drafting tiles from a central supply and carefully placing them on your player board to construct a beautiful mosaic. Points are earned based on tile placement, with bonuses for completing rows, columns, and full sets of colors.
Gameplay Loop
Each turn, players choose all tiles of a single color from one of the factory displays (or from the center) and place them on the left side of their board in the prep area. Each row in this area can only contain one color per round. Once all tiles are drafted, players move completed rows to the right side of their board, “laying” the ceramic tiles in their final positions.
Points are scored based on placement:
- A newly placed tile scores 1 point plus 1 point per adjacent tile in the same row or column.
- Strategic placement can lead to massive point combos as the game progresses.
At the end of the game, players earn bonus points for:
- Completing a full row or column
- Placing all five tiles of a single color
Key Mechanics
- Set Collection – Collecting tiles of a single color and planning ahead to complete patterns.
- Drafting – Choosing tiles wisely from a shared pool.
- Hate Drafting – Sometimes, the best move isn’t about what you need but about denying your opponents the tiles they desperately want. If a player is forced to take tiles they can’t place, they suffer negative points, adding an extra layer of tactical decision-making.
Designer & Publisher
Azul was designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Plan B Games.
What Makes It Stand Out
Azul stands out as one of the best drafting games out there, striking the perfect balance between simple rules and impactful decisions. It’s incredibly easy to teach, but every turn presents meaningful choices that make the game feel tense and strategic.
One of the best parts of Azul is how tight and competitive it is. Games are usually really close, keeping players engaged right up until the final move. There’s also a lot of silent tension—you’ll find yourself holding your breath, hoping your opponent doesn’t take the exact tile you need. And while the game may look peaceful, it can get surprisingly cutthroat. Hate-drafting is a key part of play, and going for all the tiles of one color is an uphill battle when opponents catch on and start sabotaging your plans. That level of interaction makes every game exciting, even if you’re just placing pretty tiles on a board.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple rules make it easy to learn and teach.
- Turns are quick, keeping the game moving at a nice pace.
- Feels competitive and tight, with most games being really close.
- Great mix of strategy and interaction, with plenty of opportunities for clever plays.
- The tile-drafting mechanic creates a lot of tension and fun moments.
Cons:
- Can get pretty mean with hate-drafting, which might not be for everyone.
- Some rounds can be punishing if you’re forced to take tiles that give negative points.
Let me know if you’d like any changes before moving on to final thoughts!
Final Thoughts
Azul feels like a modern classic, and its Spiel des Jahres win is well deserved. The rules are incredibly simple, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play, but the strategy has real depth, keeping each game engaging. Every draft matters, and the tension of hoping your opponents don’t take the tiles you need creates some fantastic moments. Whether you’re playing casually or thinking through every move, Azul delivers a satisfying experience that keeps players coming back.
Where to Buy
Azul is available from a variety of online retailers. Here are some places where you can grab your own copy as well as other versions of Azul (sequels as well as a travel and duel edition) I recommend:
- Amazon: Azul
- Amazon: Azul Crystal Mosaic – Expansion
- Amazon: Duel – Two Player Edition
- Amazon: Azul Mini – Travel Edition
- Amazon: Azul Stained Glass of Sintra – Sequel
- Amazon: Azul Summer Pavilion – Sequel
- Amazon: Azul Queen’s Gambit – Sequel
- Amazon: Azul Master Chocolatier – Chocolate Reskin
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Played it? Loved it? Hated it? Let’s hear it!