Queen Games Marrakesh Essential Edition Instruction Manual

Introduction

Marrakesh Essential Edition is a strategic board game designed by Stefan Feld for 2 to 4 players, recommended for ages 14 and up. In this game, players take on the roles of influential citizens in the city of Marrakesh, aiming to accumulate victory points through various strategic actions. Gameplay involves managing resources, gaining influence in different city districts, and optimizing trade routes. The game features a modular board and diverse components, ensuring high replayability.

Figure 1: Marrakesh Essential Edition Game Box

Components

The Marrakesh Essential Edition includes a variety of high-quality components:

• 1 Main Game Board (foldable)
• 4 Dual-Layered Player Boards
• 1 Cardboard Cube Tower (requires assembly)
• 120 Keshis (wooden octagonal resource tokens in 12 distinct colors: pink, black, white, grey, blue, red, green, tan, yellow, brown, purple, orange)
• 4 Player Pawns (meeples, one per player color)
• 4 Scoring Discs (one per player color)
• Numerous Punch-out Cardboard Tokens, including:
  • Money tokens (gold coins)
  • Water tokens (blue drops)
  • Fig/Date tokens (red ovals)
  • Gate tokens (various colors)
  • Oasis tokens (various designs)
  • Scroll tokens (various designs)
  • First Player Token (camel)
• 1 Cloth Draw Bag
• 1 Rulebook
• 1 Glossary/Addendum booklet
• 4 Player Aid/Summary Cards

Figure 2: Overview of Game Components

Setup

Follow these steps to set up your game:

1. Place the Main Game Board in the center of your playing area.
2. Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding Player Board, Player Pawn, and Scoring Disc.
3. Carefully punch out all cardboard tokens from their sheets. Sort them by type (e.g., money, water, figs/dates, gates, oases, scrolls) and place them in designated areas or a general supply.
4. Assemble the Cardboard Cube Tower according to the diagrams in the rulebook. Place the assembled tower on its designated space on the Main Game Board.
5. Sort the Keshis (wooden octagonal resource tokens) by color and place them near the Cube Tower.
6. Place the First Player Token (camel) near the Main Game Board.
7. Refer to the rulebook for specific instructions on initial resource distribution and placement of tokens on the Main Game Board and individual Player Boards.

Figure 3: Game Setup Example

Gameplay

Marrakesh is played over several rounds, with players taking turns to perform actions and strategically build their influence. The game features a 'point salad' scoring system, where victory points can be earned from various sources throughout the game and at the end.

Turn Structure

During a player's turn, typical actions may include:

• Moving Player Pawn: Advance your Player Pawn to different locations on the Main Game Board to access various actions.
• Activating Location Abilities: Utilize the unique abilities of city districts, such as the Koutoubia Mosque, to gain resources, influence, or other strategic advantages.
• Placing Keshis: Deploy Keshis on your Player Board or specific areas of the Main Game Board to mark control, complete objectives, or fulfill contracts.
• Resource Management: Collect and manage various resources like money, water, and figs/dates, which are crucial for performing actions and feeding your people at the end of rounds.
• Caravan Movement: Dispatch caravans across the Sahara to expand your trade network and gain benefits.

The Cube Tower is an integral part of the game, used to randomize the distribution of Keshis, adding an element of chance and variability to resource availability and strategic planning.

Figure 4: In-Game View

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal condition of your Marrakesh Essential Edition game, please follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Storage: Store the game components in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent warping or material degradation.
• Handling: Handle cardboard components, especially punch-out tokens and the Cube Tower, with care during assembly and gameplay to avoid tearing or bending.
• Cleaning: Keep wooden Keshis and player pieces clean and dry. If necessary, wipe them gently with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive moisture.
• Component Integrity: If dual-layered player boards show slight warping, storing them flat under a heavy, even object can help flatten them over time.

Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:

• Cube Tower Assembly: If the Cardboard Cube Tower is difficult to assemble, gently flex the cardboard pieces as needed to fit them together. Refer to the detailed assembly diagrams provided in the rulebook.
• Component Identification (Color Vision Issues): The game features 12 different colors of Keshis. While they are octagonal to prevent rolling, some colors (e.g., tan and white) may appear similar under certain lighting conditions. Players with color vision issues should refer to the Glossary/Addendum for visual cues or agree on alternative identification methods (e.g., using distinct shapes if available, or player-specific sorting) before starting the game.
• Warped Boards: Slight warping of dual-layered player boards can occur due to environmental factors. This generally does not affect gameplay. Storing boards flat can help minimize this effect.
• Missing or Damaged Components: In the event of missing or damaged components upon unboxing, please contact Queen Games customer support for assistance.

Specifications

Support

For additional information, rule clarifications, or customer support, please refer to the following resources:

• Official Product Page: Visit the official Marrakesh product page for updates and resources: https://marrakesh.queen-games.com/
• Rulebook (French PDF): A French version of the rulebook is available here. Please check the official product page for English versions: https://rules.queen-games.com/marrakesh_standard_fr.pdf
• Manufacturer Contact: For specific inquiries regarding components or gameplay, please visit the official Queen Games website and navigate to their customer support section.