El Grande
- Designer Wolfgang Kramer , Richard Ulrich
- Publisher Hans im Glück , 999 Games , Användbart Litet Företag , Descartes Editeur , Devir
- Illustration Doris Matthäus , Stefan Sonnberger , Franz-Georg Stämmele
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play a Grande vying for influence across nine regions of Spain over nine rounds. Each round you select power cards that set turn order and how many caballeros you can deploy to your court, then choose action cards to place caballeros into regions or the secretive Castillo. Regions are scored every three rounds; the highest total after the ninth round wins. The game emphasizes regional majority and timing.
Who Is This Game For?
A game for experienced players: El Grande suits those who enjoy area-control and planning over multiple scoring phases. With a playtime around 120 minutes it's an extended, strategy-focused experience rather than a quick family filler.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Action Drafting, Area Majority/Influence and Selection Order Bid. In each of nine rounds you pick power/turn-order cards and then an action from available action cards to move caballeros from your court to regions or the Castillo. Periodic scoring evaluates regional majorities and awards points for control and certain bonuses.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Wolfgang Kramer and Richard Ulrich, El Grande won the Spiel des Jahres and the Deutscher Spiele Preis in 1996. Its mix of Selection Order Bid with Area Majority established it as a benchmark for influence-based designs in a Spanish historical setting.
Awards
1996
1996
- 2024 Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year — Nominated
- 1997 Årets Spil Best Adult Game — Winner
- 1996 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game — Winner
- 1995 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Strong, classic area-control core (Area Majority/Influence)
- Meaningful interaction via Selection Order Bid and Action Drafting
- Well-recognised design: Spiel des Jahres 1996 & Deutscher Spiele Preis 1996
- Strategic depth with multiple scoring phases
Contra
- Longer playtime (~120 minutes) demands a time commitment
- First game requires learning the interplay of cards and scoring
Setting & Atmosphäre
The board represents renaissance/medieval Spain where noble Grandes compete for dominance across nine regions. The historical flavour is tied directly to the influence mechanics.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding turn-order cards and how region scoring works; play slowly to see how actions affect majorities over rounds.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. El Grande is for 2–5 players (no solo mode listed).
How long does a game really take?
Typical duration is around 120 minutes; include explanation/setup time for your first sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with area-control and medium-weight strategy games is helpful; it's aimed at seasoned players.
How does this compare to similar games?
El Grande pairs Selection Order Bid with Action Drafting and Area Majority, shifting emphasis to turn-order tactics and regional influence.
Is this suitable for families?
Minimum age is 12; due to complexity and length it's more suited to families with older, experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area Majority/Influence with Selection Order Bid is the game's defining mechanic mix.
Fazit
A cornerstone for players who like tactical area-control and card-driven choices. Best if you can commit to ~120 minutes and multiple scoring phases.
