The Princes of Florence
- Designer Wolfgang Kramer , Richard Ulrich , Jens Christopher Ulrich
- Publisher alea , Korea Boardgames , Quined Games , Ravensburger AG , uplay.it edizioni
- Illustration Arnaud Demaegd , Eckhard Freytag , Wolfgang Kramer , Mirco Paganessi , Lukas Siegmon , Richard Ulrich
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Over seven rounds, players compete to become the most prestigious family in Florence by attracting artists and scholars to their palaces. Through auctions, they acquire buildings, landscape features, and social freedoms that match various professions’ preferences. Players generate work points which can be converted into money or victory points. The increasing work point threshold each round adds strategic depth.
Who Is This Game For?
This game suits experienced players who enjoy complex strategy games with up to five players. With a duration of around 100 minutes, it requires patience and tactical decision-making. Prior experience with auction and engine-building mechanics is helpful but not mandatory.
How It Works
The Princes of Florence combines Auction/Bidding, Tile Placement, and Grid Coverage. Players bid on buildings, landscapes, and freedoms that align with profession requirements. Placing these acquired tiles on a grid generates work points, convertible into victory points or money. End Game Bonuses impact final scoring after seven rounds.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Wolfgang Kramer and Richard Ulrich, The Princes of Florence won the Meeples Choice Award in 2000. Part of the Cities series, it features an innovative system using work points as a resource. The mix of auction, tile placement, and end game bonuses defines its unique gameplay.
Awards
2008
2007
2001
- 2007 Juego del Año — Finalist
- 2007 Niederländischer Spielepreis — Winner
- 2000 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 3rd Place — Nominated
- 2000 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Innovative blend of Auction/Bidding and Tile Placement
- High strategic depth through work points as a resource
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Winner of the 2000 Meeples Choice Award
Contra
- Approximate 100-minute playtime requires patience
- Complexity may deter beginners
- Recommended minimum age of 12 years
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in Renaissance Florence, players act as princes designing villas to attract artists and scholars, earning prestige.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the professions’ preferences and plan your bids carefully to maximize work points.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, The Princes of Florence includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 100 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic familiarity with auction mechanics and strategic planning is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its combination of Auction/Bidding with Grid Coverage and End Game Bonuses makes it unique in the Cities series.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and minimum age of 12, it is better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The use of work points as a resource combined with auctions and tile placement stands out.
Fazit
The Princes of Florence is recommended for players who appreciate strategic auction and spatial planning games. It rewards patience and thoughtful strategy.
