Patchwork Board Game Instruction Manual

Introduction

Patchwork is a two-player strategy board game designed by Uwe Rosenberg. The objective is to create the most aesthetically pleasing and high-scoring patchwork quilt on your 9x9 game board by strategically acquiring and placing various fabric patches.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up the game, understanding gameplay mechanics, and scoring. It is designed to help players of all experience levels enjoy the game.

Image: The Patchwork board game box alongside text describing the game's core concept of sewing fabric pieces into a larger design.

Image: Icons indicating the game is for ages 8+, has a 30-minute playtime, and is for 2 players.

Safety Information

WARNING: NOT A TOY! Choking hazard. Not suitable for children under three years due to small parts.

Components

The Patchwork board game includes the following components:

• 1 Time Board: The central spiral track for time tokens and 1x1 patches.
• 2 Quilt Boards: Individual 9x9 grids for each player to build their quilt (one lime green, one yellow).
• 2 Time Tokens: Player markers for the Time Board, matching the quilt board colors.
• 1 Neutral Token: Used to indicate available patches.
• 33 Patches: Various shapes and sizes of fabric pieces with button costs and time values.
• 5 Special 1x1 Patches: Small leather patches awarded for reaching specific points on the Time Board.
• 1 Special 7x7 Tile: Awarded to the first player to complete a 7x7 area on their quilt board.
• 50 Button Tokens: Used as currency and for scoring.
• 1 Rule Book: Provides comprehensive game rules.

Image: The back of the Patchwork game box, illustrating the game components and basic gameplay steps.

Setup

Follow these steps to set up the game before playing:

1. Each player selects one quilt board (lime green or yellow) and its corresponding time token. Players should sit opposite each other.
2. Place the Time Board in the center of the playing area. Both time tokens are placed at the starting space of the spiral track on the Time Board.
3. Place the five 1x1 special patches onto their designated spaces on the Time Board.
4. Arrange all 33 regular patches randomly in a circle around the Time Board.
5. Locate the smallest 2x2 rectangular patch among the 33 patches. Place the Neutral Token between this smallest patch and the next patch in a clockwise direction. This indicates the starting point for selecting patches.
6. Each player begins with 5 button tokens.
7. Determine the starting player. The player who last picked up a needle starts the game. If this is not applicable, players can toss a coin or decide by mutual agreement.

Image: A visual representation of the game board and time board, illustrating how players work to create a quilt and manage their time.

Image: An overhead view of the Patchwork game set up, showing the time board, patches arranged in a circle, and button tokens.

Image: A close-up of the spiral Time Board, showing spaces for time tokens and the 1x1 special patches.

How to Play (Operating)

Players take turns performing one of two possible actions:

Action 1: Take a Patch

• You may choose to take any of the next three patches immediately clockwise from the Neutral Token.
• Pay the button cost indicated on the chosen patch by returning the corresponding number of button tokens to the general supply.
• Move your time token forward on the Time Board by the number of spaces indicated by the hourglass symbol on the chosen patch.
• Place the chosen patch onto your personal 9x9 quilt board. Patches cannot overlap, and they must fit entirely within the board. You can rotate or flip patches as needed.
• Move the Neutral Token to the space where the patch you just took was located.
• Important: If your time token is still behind or on the same space as your opponent's time token after moving, you take another turn. Turns do not necessarily alternate.

Action 2: Advance and Gain Buttons

• If you cannot or do not wish to take a patch, you may choose to advance your time token.
• Move your time token to the space immediately in front of your opponent's time token on the Time Board.
• For each space you moved past (including the space your opponent was on), collect one button token from the general supply.
• Your turn ends after this action.

Time Board Checkpoints

• Button Income: When your time token passes or lands on a button checkpoint space on the Time Board, you collect button income. Count the number of buttons depicted on the patches already placed on your quilt board and collect that many button tokens from the general supply.
• 1x1 Special Patches: The first player to pass or land on a space with a 1x1 special patch immediately takes that patch and places it on their quilt board. These patches are small and useful for filling single empty spaces.
• 7x7 Bonus Tile: The first player to completely fill a 7x7 square area on their quilt board (without any empty spaces within that area) immediately claims the special 7x7 bonus tile. This tile is worth 7 points at the end of the game.

Image: A player's quilt board with various patches already placed, showing how they fit together like Tetris pieces.

Image: A completed or nearly completed quilt board, demonstrating the goal of filling the 9x9 grid efficiently.

Game End and Scoring

The game ends when both players' time tokens reach the center space of the Time Board.

Final Scoring

Each player calculates their final score as follows:

1. Count all button tokens you possess. This is your initial score.
2. Subtract 2 points for each empty square remaining on your 9x9 quilt board.
3. The player with the highest final score wins the game. In case of a tie, the player who reached the center of the Time Board first wins.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your Patchwork board game components:

• Store all game components in the original box when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
• Keep components away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture.
• Clean game pieces with a dry, soft cloth if necessary. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or liquids.
• Handle patches and tokens carefully to prevent bending or tearing.

Troubleshooting

Missing Components

If any components are missing from your game box upon opening, please contact the manufacturer's customer support for assistance.

Rules Clarification

For any questions regarding specific game rules or scenarios not covered in this manual, refer to the official rule book PDF available online or contact the manufacturer's support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For product support, inquiries, or to report missing components, please contact the manufacturer, Asmodee. Refer to the official product page or the included Certificate of Compliance for specific contact details.

A Certificate of Compliance for this product is available in PDF format: Certificate of Compliance (PDF).