1. Introduction to Azul

Dive into the artful world of Azul, an award-winning tile-placement game where players compete to create stunning mosaics while maximizing points through careful planning and smart tile placement. Designed for 2-4 players and perfect for ages 8 and up, Azul brings both excitement and elegance to your game nights. Its simple-to-learn rules make it accessible for new players, yet the strategic depth ensures it remains a favorite among experienced gamers. The game’s vibrant tiles and satisfying tile-laying mechanics create an immersive experience that’s visually and tactically rewarding. Each round, players select tiles from a central supply, balancing aesthetic goals with strategic decisions to outscore opponents. Every game offers unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring that Azul remains highly replayable. Ideal for family gatherings, game nights with friends, or as a gift, Azul delivers an unforgettable gaming experience that combines beauty with thoughtful gameplay. Whether you’re new to strategy games or a seasoned player, Azul is a must-have for any board game collection. Enjoy the art of mosaic creation and become a master in this timeless game of beauty and strategy!

Key Features:

• AWARD-WINNING STRATEGY GAME: Azul is an award-winning board game that challenges players to create stunning tile mosaics while making strategic decisions and competing for high scores.
• BEAUTIFUL TILE ARTWORK: Featuring beautifully crafted, colorful tiles, Azul immerses players in the art of mosaic design, inspired by the traditional Portuguese azulejos.
• EASY TO LEARN, CHALLENGING TO MASTER: With simple rules and deep strategic choices, Azul is accessible to new players yet offers satisfying complexity for experienced gamers.
• PERFECT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Designed for 2-4 players, Azul is a fun, engaging game for family and friends, bringing together kids, teens, and adults for memorable game nights.
• REPLAYABLE & ENGAGING: Each game of Azul provides a unique experience with endless possibilities, making it highly replayable and perfect for repeated enjoyment.

2. What's in the Box

Your Azul game box contains all the components necessary to begin your mosaic masterpiece:

• 100 Resin Tiles
• 4 Player boards
• 9 Factory displays
• 4 Scoring markers
• 1 Starting player marker
• 1 Linen bag
• 1 Rulebook

Image: Back of the Azul game box, illustrating the various game components including player boards, factory displays, and colorful resin tiles.

Image: A close-up of the decorative linen bag with various colored resin tiles, showcasing their vibrant appearance and unique patterns.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to prepare your Azul game for play:

1. Place the Factory Displays: Place the 9 factory displays in a circle in the center of the playing area. The number of factory displays used depends on the number of players: 5 for 2 players, 7 for 3 players, and 9 for 4 players.
2. Distribute Player Boards: Each player receives one player board. Place the scoring marker on the '0' space of the scoring track.
3. Prepare the Tiles: Place all 100 resin tiles into the linen bag and shake well.
4. Populate Factory Displays: Draw 4 random tiles from the linen bag and place them onto each factory display.
5. First Player Marker: The player who most recently visited Portugal (or the player who last ate a tile) takes the starting player marker.

Image: A single player board, showing the pattern lines on the left, the mosaic wall on the right, and the scoring track at the top.

Image: A top-down view of the game setup, with factory displays arranged in a circle, each holding four colorful tiles, and a player board in the foreground.

4. Operating (Gameplay)

Azul is played over several rounds, each consisting of three main phases:

4.1. Factory Offerings Phase

• Players take turns drafting tiles from either a factory display or the center of the table.
• When drafting from a factory display, a player must take all tiles of one color from that display. Any remaining tiles from that display are moved to the center of the table.
• When drafting from the center, a player must take all tiles of one color from the center. The first player to take tiles from the center also takes the starting player marker, incurring a -1 penalty point.
• Drafted tiles are placed onto one of the pattern lines on the player's board. Each pattern line can only hold tiles of a single color and has a specific capacity.

4.2. Wall-Tiling Phase

• Once all tiles have been drafted, players proceed to the wall-tiling phase.
• Starting from the top pattern line, for each completed pattern line, one tile is moved from the pattern line to its corresponding space on the mosaic wall.
• Any excess tiles from a pattern line (if the line is overfilled) or tiles from the floor line (penalty line) are moved to the discard pile.

4.3. Scoring Phase

• Players score points for each tile placed on their mosaic wall. Points are awarded based on adjacent tiles, forming horizontal and vertical chains.
• Bonus points are awarded at the end of the game for completing horizontal rows, vertical columns, and collecting all 5 tiles of a single color.

The game continues until at least one player has completed a horizontal row of 5 consecutive tiles on their mosaic wall. The game then proceeds to final scoring.

For detailed rules and advanced strategies, please refer to the official rulebook: Azul Rulebook (PDF)

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your Azul board game, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Storage: Store all components neatly in the original box. Keep the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Cleaning: Wipe down game boards and tiles with a soft, dry cloth as needed. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive moisture.
• Handling: Handle tiles and boards with care to prevent bending, creasing, or scratching.
• Component Check: Periodically check for any missing or damaged components.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while playing Azul, consider the following:

• Rules Clarification: Always refer to the official rulebook for detailed explanations of gameplay mechanics and scoring.
• Missing Components: If any components are missing upon unboxing, please contact the manufacturer for assistance.
• Gameplay Disputes: In case of disagreements during play, consult the rulebook. If a clear answer isn't found, agree on a house rule for that session.

For further assistance, you may consult the official Troubleshooting Guide: Azul Troubleshooting Guide (PDF)

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

For any warranty claims, product support, or inquiries, please contact the manufacturer directly:

• Manufacturer: Plan B Games
• Online Store: Visit the official Azul Store for more information and support: Azul Store