Alhambra: The Dice Game

Queen Games · Board game · 2006
2–6 · best 4 60 min Weight 1.7/5
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
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7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love luck-based games with a hint of strategy, ideal for families and groups looking for something quick.

Highlights
  • Engaging push-your-luck dynamics
  • Simple rules and fast learning curve
  • Bonuses that can shift the game
  • Intuitive and visual components
Keep in mind
  • Luck can frustrate highly competitive players
  • Less depth than the original game
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever wanted to build your own palace but with the adrenaline of a good dice roll? Alhambra: The Dice Game brings the essence of the classic Alhambra in a standalone, dynamic version focused on luck and risk management. The goal is simple: secure the majority of buildings to claim victory, but the path there is all about fun and tension.

The game is split into five rounds, with scoring occurring after the first, third, and fifth. On your turn, you roll 8 dice featuring symbols of different building types. The catch? You have up to three attempts to get as many matching symbols as possible, but you can only record the result for one single building type per turn. It's that classic moment of deciding: do I push my luck for 8 matching symbols or settle for what I have to avoid coming up empty-handed?

The board acts as a comparative scoreboard, allowing everyone to see who rolled the best. At the end of the round, the player with the highest roll in each category chooses between taking two buildings of that category or one building and a special bonus. These bonuses are the icing on the cake: they can grant extra victory points, additional dice rolls, or even the ability to exchange a building. The second-best player in the category receives the remaining reward.

Since the number of turns per round is limited (varying between 3 and 5 depending on the player count), you cannot complete all six building types in a single round, forcing you to prioritize your choices. For those who own the original Alhambra, there is a variant that allows combining the building counters, adding an extra layer of strategic depth to the construction. It's a light, fast-paced game, perfect for those who want the Alhambra experience without the complexity of the full board.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Cities: Granada (Andalusia, Spain) Components: Dice with Icons Country: Spain Game: Alhambra Versions & Editions: Dice Versions of Non-Dice Games
Publisher Queen Games
Designer Dirk Henn
Artist Jo Hartwig
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the original Alhambra game to play?
No! It is a standalone game. The original Alhambra is only used for an optional variant.
How long does a game take?
It usually lasts about 60 minutes, making it quite fast-paced.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, since it's based on symbols and dice rolls, it's very intuitive for kids and families.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 6 players, making it great for larger groups.
Is the game complex?
Not at all, it has a low weight (1.73 on BGG). It's a light game focused on fun and luck.