Yspahan
- Designer Sébastien Pauchon
- Publisher Ystari Games , HUCH! , MINDOK , Quined White Goblin Games , Rio Grande Games
- Illustration Arnaud Demaegd , Mike Doyle (I)
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Yspahan, players act as merchants trading in the Persian city of Isfahan in 1598. They place goods in shops and send caravans to score points. Dice rolls determine which actions are available and their strength, while players draft their actions each turn. Building constructions improve capabilities. After three rounds of scoring, the most successful trader wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Yspahan is a medium-weight game for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up. With a playing time around 60 minutes, it fits well into game nights. It requires some strategic thinking, suitable for players with moderate experience.
How It Works
The game combines Dice Rolling with Action Drafting: dice results limit and power available actions, which players select in turn. Actions include placing goods in shops, sending caravans, and building structures. Area Majority awards points for controlling city areas. Points are scored every seven turns, encouraging strategic planning over three ‘weeks’.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Sébastien Pauchon, Yspahan won the Meeples Choice Award in 2006. Its mix of luck and tactics, set in historic Isfahan, gives it unique flavor. It uses Area Majority as a core mechanic and belongs to the Cities series.
Awards
2007
2006
- 2006 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Successful blend of Dice Rolling and Action Drafting
- Historical Persian setting
- Medium playtime around 60 minutes
- Winner of the 2006 Meeples Choice Award
Contra
- No solo mode, only for 2-4 players
- Requires some learning due to complex mechanics
- Involves dice luck, which may not suit all players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in 1598, Yspahan takes place in Isfahan, the capital of the Safavid Empire, during a period of cultural and economic growth.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on selecting actions carefully and adapt to dice outcomes to maximize your turn efficiency.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Yspahan 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 game night.
What prior experience do I need?
Yspahan is a medium-weight game requiring some experience with economic and dice mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Yspahan’s combination of Dice Rolling and Action Drafting with Area Majority sets it apart from pure dice or worker placement games.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 8 and moderate complexity, it is suitable for families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Action Drafting and Dice Rolling creates tactical depth despite random elements.
Fazit
Yspahan is recommended for players seeking a tactical economic game with dice elements. Best with 2-4 players and around 60 minutes per game.
