Mille Fiori
- Designer Reiner Knizia
- Publisher Schmidt Spiele , 999 Games , Devir , Lifestyle Boardgames Ltd , Möbius Games
- Illustration Stephan Lorenz
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take the role of glass manufacturers and traders in Venice, placing colored tokens on a board representing workshops, homes, trade shops, and townspeople. Using closed drafting, players select cards to place tokens strategically to gain majority influence and build patterns. Different areas score points differently, such as connected groups in workshops or pyramid heights among townspeople. Timing and placement are key to maximize your earnings.
Who Is This Game For?
Mille Fiori is aimed at experienced players aged 10 and up who enjoy complex strategic gameplay lasting around 90 minutes. The closed drafting mechanic requires familiarity with card selection and influence strategies. It's less suitable for families with younger children due to its expert-level complexity.
How It Works
At the start of each round, players receive five cards and simultaneously choose one to keep, passing the rest to the next player (Closed Drafting). The chosen card allows placement of a colored token on the board to claim influence areas (Area Majority) or complete patterns (Pattern Building). Points are scored differently depending on the zone: workshops reward connected groups, residences score based on position in a line, and townspeople areas use pyramid heights. Strategic timing can double your points in some cases.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reiner Knizia, Mille Fiori won the Mensa Select Award in 2023 and the 5 Seasons Best International Expert Game in 2022. Set in Venice, it features transparent components evoking stained glass art and blends drafting with majority control, offering a unique thematic experience.
Awards
2023
- 2022 5 Seasons Best International Expert Game — Winner
- 2022 JUGuinho Families Game of the Year — Finalist
- 2021 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Deep integration of Closed Drafting and Area Majority mechanics
- Strong Venetian glassmaking theme with transparent components
- Winner of the 2023 Mensa Select Award
- Moderate 90-minute playtime fitting expert game sessions
Contra
- Complex rules require a learning curve
- No solo mode, requires 2-4 players
- Less suitable for families with younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the Venetian lagoon, Italy, focusing on the artisanal craft and trade of colorful glasswork. Various locations represent the stages of glass production and commerce in Venice.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding how each scoring area works and plan your token placements carefully without overcomplicating your strategy.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Mille Fiori supports 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical session lasts about 90 minutes, plus some setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with expert-level games and mechanics like drafting and area influence is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
Mille Fiori uniquely combines Closed Drafting with Area Majority and Pattern Building in a strong thematic Venetian setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and recommended age of 10+, it's better suited for experienced players rather than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Closed Drafting, Area Majority, and Pattern Building creates layered tactical decisions.
Fazit
Mille Fiori is a challenging expert game combining strategic drafting and area control, best suited for players who appreciate complex mechanics and thematic depth. Casual or family players might find it too intricate.
