A Fresh Take on a Modern Classic
Few games manage to strike the perfect balance between strategy and accessibility in the way that I enjoy, like Azul does. When Azul: Summer Pavilion hit the table, I was keen to see how it built upon the original. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
Quick Facts
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 30-45 minutes
- Age: 8+
- Designer: Michael Kiesling
- Publisher: Next Move Games
What’s New in Summer Pavilion?
At its core, Azul: Summer Pavilion retains the tile-drafting mechanics that made the original a hit. But there’s a twist—players collect tiles throughout the round and place them later. This seemingly small change creates a game that’s more flexible, strategic, and forgiving than its predecessors.
Why It Stands Out
- Less Punishment, More Strategy – No more being forced into bad placements; you can save tiles for later.
- Wildcard Tiles – Each round has a changing wildcard colour, keeping things fresh.
- Bonus Opportunities – Completing certain patterns earns you extra tiles, leading to satisfying chain reactions.
- Higher Scoring Potential – More control means bigger payoffs for clever moves.
How to Play Azul: Summer Pavilion
If you’re familiar with the original Azul, you’ll pick this up quickly. But even if you’re new to the series, the game is easy to grasp while offering plenty of depth.
1. Drafting Tiles
Each round, players take turns selecting all tiles of one colour from a factory display, leaving the rest in the centre. One colour per round serves as a wildcard, which can be used as any colour when placing tiles.
2. Storing and Planning
Unlike the original Azul, where tiles are placed immediately, Summer Pavilion lets you collect tiles throughout the round and place them later. This means you can plan ahead and set up high-scoring combos.
3. Placing Tiles on Your Board
Players use their collected tiles to fill numbered spaces (1-6) on their personal boards. The more valuable the spot, the more tiles it requires. Completing sections unlocks bonuses, which help extend your turn or increase your score.
4. Scoring and Next Round
Points are awarded for strategically placed tiles, completed patterns, and adjacency bonuses. The game lasts six rounds, and the player with the highest score wins.
How It Compares to Other Azul Games
If you’ve played Azul or Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra, you might be wondering whether Summer Pavilion is worth picking up. Here’s how it stacks up:
- More forgiving than the original Azul – No forced tile placements means fewer negative points.
- More planning than Stained Glass of Sintra – With saved tiles and wildcard mechanics, it rewards forward-thinking players.
- Smoother, more satisfying gameplay – Bonus tiles and adjacency scoring create an elegant flow.
That said, if you love the cutthroat nature of the first Azul, you might find Summer Pavilion a little more relaxed. But for those who enjoy strategy with a bit more breathing room, it’s a fantastic choice.
Final Thoughts
Azul: Summer Pavilion is an excellent evolution of the Azul series. It keeps what made the original great while adding just enough new mechanics to make it stand out. It’s still a fast, elegant game, but with added depth that rewards careful planning.
If you’re a fan of the Azul series or looking for a beautifully designed, accessible game with a bit of strategic crunch, this one’s well worth a spot on your shelf.