Marrakesh Board Game Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Marrakesh is a strategic board game designed by Stefan Feld, part of the City Collection by Queen Games. Players engage in a series of actions to gain wealth and influence within the city, aiming to accumulate the most victory points. The game is played over three rounds, with each round consisting of four turns, offering a blend of tactical decision-making and resource management.

2. Components

The Marrakesh board game includes a variety of high-quality components designed for an engaging experience. Key components include:

• Game Board: A large, detailed board representing the city of Marrakesh.
• Player Boards: Individual boards for each player to manage their actions and resources.
• Cylinders (Keshi's): Small, colored, octagonal wooden pieces used for actions and resource management.
• Assistant Pieces: Player-colored pieces representing assistants placed on the player board.
• Cube Tower: A central component used to randomize cylinder distribution.
• Rulebook & Glossary: Comprehensive guides for gameplay and component definitions.
• Various Tokens: Including wealth tokens, influence markers, and other game-specific markers.

Figure 1: The Marrakesh Board Game box art, featuring a vibrant city scene.

Figure 2: An overview of the Marrakesh game board and various components set up for play.

3. Setup

To begin a game of Marrakesh, follow these steps:

1. Place the main game board in the center of the playing area.
2. Each player selects a player board and places it in front of them.
3. Distribute starting resources and components to each player as indicated in the rulebook.
4. Place all colored cylinders (Keshi's) into the cube tower.
5. Prepare the action spaces on the main board by placing initial cylinders or tokens as specified in the rulebook.
6. Determine the starting player according to the rulebook's guidelines.

4. Operating Instructions (Gameplay)

Marrakesh unfolds over three rounds, with each round comprising four turns. The core gameplay loop involves:

1. Simultaneous Cylinder Selection: On each turn, players secretly choose three colored cylinders from behind their screen.
2. Assistant Placement: In turn order, players place matching colored assistants on their player board, indicating the actions they will perform.
3. Cylinder Tower Activation: All chosen cylinders are placed into the cube tower. The tower randomizes which cylinders become available for the current round, with some potentially getting stuck or releasing cylinders from previous rounds.
4. Cylinder Collection: In turn order, players select a color and take 1-2 available cylinders from the tower, placing them on their player boards. These cylinders enhance future actions of the same color.
5. Action Activation: Players activate regions where they have placed an assistant. Actions allow players to gain wealth, which can be traded for influence in the city. Performing actions also earns bonuses and enhances subsequent actions.

The game proceeds with players strategically managing their cylinders and assistants to maximize wealth and influence, ultimately aiming for the highest victory point total at the end of the third round.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your Marrakesh board game:

• Store all components in their designated compartments within the box to prevent loss or damage.
• Keep the game away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent warping of cardboard components.
• Clean components with a dry, soft cloth if necessary. Avoid abrasive cleaners or liquids.
• Handle cards and cardboard pieces with care to avoid bending or tearing.

6. Troubleshooting

Common issues and their resolutions:

• Missing Components: If any components are missing upon unboxing, please contact Queen Games customer support.
• Rule Clarification: Refer to the detailed rulebook and glossary for specific game mechanics. Online forums and official game resources can also provide additional clarification.
• Game Balance: If players feel the game is unbalanced, ensure all rules are being followed correctly. Some games may have advanced rules or variants that can adjust balance.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

For any questions, concerns, or to report missing/damaged components, please contact Queen Games directly. Refer to the official Queen Games website for the most up-to-date warranty information and customer support contacts.