Splendor board game: rules and strategy guide
Splendor rules and strategy: collect gem tokens, buy development cards that give permanent bonuses and attract nobles to reach 15 prestige points first.
- Type
- Card game
- Players
- 2–4
- Age
- Ages 10+
- Play time
- 30 min
- First released
- 2014
- Designed by
- Marc André
- Publisher
- Space Cowboys
Splendor is a short engine-building game in which players are gem merchants in the Renaissance. You collect gem tokens of five colours and spend them to buy development cards: mines, transport and shops. Each card gives you a permanent gem bonus, so every card you buy makes the next one cheaper. Some cards also give prestige points, and when your collection matches what a noble wants, that noble visits you and gives extra points. The rules fit on a single sheet and every turn offers only a few options, yet the game rewards clear long-term planning. The heavy poker-style chips make it pleasant to handle and easy to understand at a glance.
Our verdict
Splendor shows clearly how small investments grow: at first you can barely afford anything, but halfway through the game your cards pay for most purchases. That feeling of acceleration is satisfying, and it is a great way to teach the idea of an engine-building game. It plays quickly with two players, works well with four, and can be explained in a few minutes. It is calm and friendly, with mild interaction through competing for the same cards and nobles.
What works
- Very short and clear rules
- Satisfying growth of your engine
- Works well with two players
What does not
- Little direct interaction between players
- The theme is thin and may not excite everyone
How to play Splendor
On your turn you choose exactly one action. You may take three gem tokens of different colours, or two tokens of the same colour if at least four of that colour remain in the supply. You may reserve a development card, keeping it in your hand to buy later, and receive one gold token, which counts as any colour. Or you may buy a card from the table or from your reserved cards, paying its cost with tokens minus the bonuses from cards you already own. Cards are arranged in three levels: cheap cards with few points, then more expensive cards with more points. At the end of your turn, if your card bonuses meet a noble's requirements, that noble joins you for three points. You may never hold more than ten tokens. When a player reaches 15 prestige points, the round is completed and the player with the most points wins.
Tips for new players
- In the early game, buy cheap cards that give bonuses in colours you will need later.
- Look at the nobles on the table and plan your colours toward one or two of them.
- Reserve a card when another player is about to buy it, and to collect gold.
- Count your opponents' bonuses so you know which cards they can afford next turn.
Good for
Splendor: common questions
How many players can play Splendor?
Splendor is designed for two to four players.
How do you win Splendor?
Reach 15 prestige points. The current round is finished so everyone has the same number of turns, and the highest score wins.
What does the gold token do in Splendor?
Gold is gained when you reserve a card and can replace a gem of any colour when you buy.
Splendor belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
