Azul is a visually stunning tile-laying game that mixes strategy, planning, and a little bit of competition. While the rules are simple, the depth of strategy can leave new players feeling a bit lost on how to optimize their moves. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best strategies to ensure you come out on top, with tips for early, mid, and late-game play.
Early Game: Focus on the Center
When you begin Azul, your goal should be to quickly fill the center column, or at least one of the three central columns. This tactic gives you more flexibility later in the game, as you’ll have access to multiple rows for your tiles. Filling the center columns also makes it harder for your opponents to block or hate draft you, giving you more freedom in your turn selection.
Mid-Game: Pay Attention to Row and Tile Management
- Avoid Partial Rows in the 4th and 5th Rows: If you end a round with an incomplete row in the 4th and 5th rows, you’re probably setting yourself up for a lot of negative points in the next round. To prevent this, consider drafting tiles just for the smaller rows even if they are going to give you less points in the short term. If you can’t fill the entire 4th and 5th row in a single round, consider leaving one of them empty, so you have the flexibility to take any color in that row next round.
- Row and Column Strategy: Completing full rows and columns will give you significant points, but trying to achieve the 5 tiles of a single color bonus is riskier. While this strategy can pay off big, it’s often not worth betting on in the first few rounds. If you do find yourself with 3 or 4 tiles of one color early on, you can aim for that bonus—but be mindful that your opponents will be watching closely.
Drafting Strategy: Think Ahead
- Always Try to Go First: Going first gives you the chance to pick the tiles you need before your opponents do. The first-player token is especially important if there’s a specific color that will score big points for you. Take the token when you can, particularly if you know there are colors in the bag that you need but others might want too.
- Manage the Middle: A great drafting tactic is to take tiles from the middle. When too many tiles accumulate from the factory displays, the pile in the middle grows exponentially, and you might be forced to take large sets of tiles that you don’t need. This can lead to negative points when you have to place them on your floor. By taking from the middle, you prevent this and ensure you get the tiles you need.
- Hate Drafting: This is one of the most powerful tools in Azul. Always keep an eye on your opponents’ boards. If they need a specific tile to complete a row, you can strategically push that tile into the middle where they’ll be forced to take all of them, potentially ruining their plans. This creates a lot of tension and keeps your opponents on their toes.
- Delay Drafting When Possible: Sometimes, you can afford to wait. For example, if there are multiple sets of the same tile color on factory displays, and you need one or two of those tiles, delay taking them until the right moment. This way, you can either take tiles your opponent might want or force them into a bad situation where they have to take tiles they don’t need.
Late Game: Secure Your Victory
In the final round, everything comes down to those precious end-game bonuses. Hate drafting is critical here, especially if your opponent is close to completing full rows or columns. The game often comes down to those end-of-game bonuses, so if you can prevent your opponents from getting them, you’ll greatly increase your chances of winning.
- Don’t End the Game Early: If you’re not in a position to win based on points, don’t rush the final round. Try to extend the game as long as possible to maximize your chances. Keep making strategic plays that hinder your opponents, forcing them to deal with tiles they don’t want.
Conclusion: Every Tile Counts
Azul is a game of precision and strategy. Understanding the dynamics of drafting, tile management, and hate drafting can set you apart from other players. With these strategies in your back pocket, you’ll have the upper hand in every match and set yourself up for success in Azul‘s tight and competitive gameplay. Keep practicing, keep strategizing, and soon you’ll be mastering the art of tile-laying like a true Azul expert!
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