Azul | A Beautiful Game of Tiles, Patterns and Quiet Rivalry

Before anyone has read a single rule, they've already picked up a tile. The colourful pieces are smooth and weighty in your hand, the board looks like a little work of art, and the person across from you is already asking, "What do we do with these?" It's that kind of game: it draws people in just by sitting on the table.

In Azul, you're a tile-layer decorating the walls of a royal palace. Each turn, you take all the tiles of one colour from a display in the middle and add them to your board, aiming to complete rows and build beautiful patterns. The catch is that every tile you take leaves something for your opponent, and any tiles you can't use cost you points. It's simple to learn, calm to play, and quietly cutthroat once you realise you can leave your partner stuck with a pile of tiles they can't place.

Why it's one of our favourites

• Gorgeous on the table. Colourful, tactile tiles make it as inviting to look at as it is to play.
• Taught in a few minutes. No gaming jargon and no complicated theme, just colours and patterns anyone can follow.
• Brilliant for two. Many players think two is its best player count: thoughtful, a little competitive, and never mean-spirited.
• Works for the whole family. Short enough for a weeknight and simple enough for ages 8 and up.

Winner of the 2018 Spiel des Jahres. Designed by Michael Kiesling.

Players: 2–4
Time: 30–45 minutes
Age: 8+
Best for: Games for Couples · Games for People Who Don't Play Games · Games for Family Night

FAQ

Is Azul good for two players?
Yes. It plays well with two to four, and many players consider two its best count: a calm, thoughtful duel with just enough rivalry.

Is it a good first board game?
Yes. There's no reading or theme to learn, just a few simple rules about colours and rows, so new players pick it up within a round.

Does it make a good gift?
It's one of the easiest board games to gift. It looks beautiful, suits almost any age from 8 up, and doesn't need the recipient to be a "gamer".