Byzanz
- Designer Emanuele Ornella
- Publisher AMIGO , Lautapelit.fi , Mont Tàber , New Games Order, LLC , Playagame Edizioni
- Illustration Doris Matthäus
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players act as merchants in ancient Byzantium, bidding on market offers to collect sets of goods. The game uses limited bidding and hand management to create dynamic auctions where timing and strategy matter. Players bid with cards that serve both as currency and points, paying taxes to the market and collecting goods. The game ends after several rounds of auctions, with the player holding the most valuable goods winning.
Who Is This Game For?
Byzanz is designed for 3 to 6 players aged 8 and up, making it a light family game with about 45 minutes playtime. Its straightforward mechanics allow casual players to quickly learn, ideal for those who enjoy economic decisions without complex rules.
How It Works
Players take turns bidding on offers of goods cards using cards from their hand, which act as both money and scoring points. The game features auction mechanics like 'Auction / Bidding', 'Closed Economy Auction', and 'Hand Management'. Bidding proceeds clockwise with players increasing bids or passing, and the winner pays a card as tax to the market. The bidding order is managed using 'Auction: Turn Order Until Pass'. This creates a tactical and interactive auction experience.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Emanuele Ornella, Byzanz won the Fairplay À la carte Runner-up in 2009 and was nominated for the Golden Geek Best Card Game the same year. It is part of the Small box series by Lautapelit.fi and Mont Tàber, combining constrained bidding and open drafting for strategic depth within a historical setting.
Awards
2009
- 2009 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime around 45 minutes
- Combination of auction and hand management mechanics
- Supports 3 to 6 players
- Awarded Fairplay À la carte Runner-up 2009
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited complexity for expert gamers
- Requires focus on auctions and hand cards
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in historic Byzantium where players act as merchants bidding on goods in the city's markets, reflecting the vibrant trade of the era.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Plan your bids carefully and watch the market to grab valuable goods at the right time.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Byzanz requires 3 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, suitable for a quick game session.
What prior experience do I need?
It's a family-friendly game with simple rules, accessible to new players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Byzanz uniquely combines auction mechanisms with hand management in a historical setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, suitable from age 8 with approachable complexity.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of 'Auction / Bidding' and 'Closed Economy Auction' mechanics provides deep tactical decisions.
Fazit
Byzanz is recommended for players looking for a quick, tactical card game focused on economic auctions. Its accessibility and mechanics suit family groups of 3 to 6 players well.
