I’ve played countless games of Azul over the years, both in person with family and friends and digitally on Board Game Arena. It’s a game I never seem to tire of. Despite its simple rules, it offers a surprising amount of strategic depth—every move matters, and a well-thought-out plan is often the key to victory.
One of the things I love most about Azul is its stunning design. The vibrant, resin tiles are incredibly satisfying to handle, and the game board itself is a work of art. It’s one of those games that manages to be both visually appealing and mechanically smooth, making it a joy to play every time it hits the table.
A Quick Overview of Azul
- Playtime: Around 30-45 minutes
- Player Count: 2-4 players
- Recommended Age: 8+
Azul is an excellent gateway game—one of my go-to choices when introducing people to modern board gaming. There are several reasons for this.
First, it’s incredibly easy to teach. The core mechanics are straightforward, and new players don’t have to memorize a long list of rules. Most people grasp the basics within a few turns, allowing them to focus on playing rather than struggling to remember what they’re supposed to do.
Second, the playtime is just right—not too short that it feels rushed, but not so long that players lose interest. It typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, making it perfect for a casual game night. And let’s be honest, the game’s aesthetics help a lot too. A beautifully designed board game is always more inviting, and Azul certainly delivers on that front.
Finally, Azul strikes a perfect balance between strategy and accessibility. There are meaningful choices to make, but it never feels overwhelming. Turns are quick, meaning downtime is minimal, keeping everyone engaged throughout the game. For all these reasons, Azul is a fantastic introduction to modern board gaming.
How to Play Azul
Each game of Azul unfolds over a series of rounds, with players drafting tiles and strategically placing them to maximize points. Here’s a quick breakdown of how a turn works:
1. Drafting Tiles
Players take turns selecting all tiles of one colour from either a factory display or the central pool. The remaining tiles from the factory are pushed to the center, creating new options for future turns.
2. Placing Tiles
Once drafted, tiles must be placed in a row on your player board. Each row can only contain one colour, and incomplete rows carry over to the next round.
3. Scoring Points
At the end of a round, completed rows allow tiles to be transferred to the player’s wall, scoring points for adjacency and set collection. The more strategic your placement, the higher your score.
4. Penalties
Any tiles that cannot be legally placed on your board must be placed in your floor row, costing you points at the end of the round.
The goal is to carefully draft and position tiles to optimize scoring opportunities while minimizing penalties. The game continues until one player completes a horizontal row, triggering the final round.
Why Azul Works So Well
Azul has a special quality that makes it work for so many different types of players. Whether you enjoy casual, laid-back games or prefer something with more strategic depth, Azul offers something for everyone.
Beautiful Components
A huge part of Azul’s appeal is its presentation. The colourful resin tiles are not only visually stunning but also have a great tactile feel. There’s something incredibly satisfying about handling them, and it adds to the overall experience.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
The rules are simple enough that new players can pick them up quickly, but the game’s strategy becomes more apparent with repeated plays. The more you play, the better you get at planning ahead, blocking opponents, and optimizing your scoring.
Fast-Paced Turns
Each turn is quick, meaning there’s very little downtime. This keeps players engaged and ensures the game flows smoothly, making it accessible even to those who prefer lighter games.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
Azul is great for families, couples, and groups of friends. It’s accessible enough for casual gamers but has enough depth to keep experienced players interested. Whether you’re introducing someone to board games or playing with a group of seasoned strategists, it holds up beautifully.
Video Reviews of Azul
You don’t have to take my word for it. here are a few reviews from other Board gamers
Should You Play Azul?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn, visually appealing, and offers meaningful decision-making without being overwhelming, Azul is a fantastic choice. It’s the kind of game that appeals to a wide audience, making it a great addition to any board game collection.
Have you played Azul? What’s your favourite aspect of the game? Let’s chat in the comments!
