San Juan (Second Edition)
- Designer Andreas Seyfarth
- Publisher alea , Ravensburger AG , Broadway Toys LTD , Giochi Uniti , Grow Jogos e Brinquedos
- Illustration Harald Lieske , Mia Steingräber
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In San Juan, players build a city using a deck of building cards that serve as currency or production sites. Each round, players select roles triggering events that benefit all, with the chooser gaining extra privileges. Core mechanics like hand management, set collection, and multi-use cards require strategic building to earn victory points. The game ends when a player constructs twelve buildings.
Who Is This Game For?
San Juan is designed for 2 to 4 players and suits gamers aged 10 and up looking for a medium complexity card game lasting about 60 minutes. It appeals to enthusiasts of engine-building and hand management rather than casual family players.
How It Works
Players take turns choosing roles that activate actions such as producing goods or building, with the chooser receiving bonuses. Cards from hand can be used as currency or to build (multi-use cards). Mechanisms like action drafting, variable phase order, and follow influence action availability and order. The goal is to build buildings through strategic set collection and hand management.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Andreas Seyfarth, San Juan adapts Puerto Rico’s concept while removing colonists and shipping, emphasizing multi-use cards and variable phase order. Although it lacks awards in the data, its link to the popular Puerto Rico game family is notable.
Pro
- Combines action drafting, hand management, and set collection
- Variable phase order adds variability to gameplay
- Strategic depth through multi-use cards
- Clear game end condition by building twelve buildings
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Medium complexity requires learning effort
- Not suitable for players under 10
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, reflecting economic development and trade in a Caribbean colonial city. The theme centers on production and building as economic resources.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on flexible use of role selection and multi-use cards to adapt to changing game situations.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
San Juan is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a standard game night.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets enthusiasts familiar with strategic card games and engine-building mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
San Juan removes colonists and shipping from Puerto Rico, focusing more on multi-use cards and role selection.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to medium complexity and a minimum age of 10, it’s better suited for families with older children experienced in board games.
What mechanic makes it special?
Multi-use cards combined with action drafting and variable phase order provide tactical depth and variety.
Fazit
San Juan is recommended for players seeking a strategic, medium-length card game with moderate complexity. It’s less suited for casual families but offers a good engine-building experience for enthusiasts.
