Augsburg 1520

alea, Ravensburger AG, Rio Grande Games · Board game · 2006
2–5 · best 5 25–75 min Weight 2.7/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Buy
100.0 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy games with auctions and a historical economic flavor, Augsburg 1520 might be a great pick! It's straightforward and makes you think about every bid.

Highlights
  • Dynamic and engaging auctions
  • Well-integrated historical theme
  • Accessible and quick rules
  • Good replayability with auctions
Keep in mind
  • May lack strategic depth
  • Reliance on bid luck
  • Limited interaction beyond auctions
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In Augsburg 1520, you step into the shoes of a shrewd merchant in Renaissance Germany, trying your luck and business acumen in the city of Augsburg. Inspired by the historical figure Jakob Fugger, the wealthiest man of his time, the game puts you in the role of someone who lent money to kings and counts, gaining privileges and trade rights as collateral. The core mechanic revolves around auctions, where you and your opponents will bid for cards of varying values. Each round features a series of five auctions, and with each bid, you can increase the offer, pay to secure the item, or simply withdraw from the contest. The auction winner gains the right to perform actions that can boost their abilities and, more importantly, their victory points. It's a straightforward game with easy-to-grasp rules, but it demands cunning to plan your bids and maximize your gains. The playtime varies depending on the number of players, but it generally falls between 25 and 75 minutes. With components like the main board, individual player boards, cards, and chits, Augsburg 1520 offers an economic experience with a historical touch, ideal for those who enjoy a good auction and the pressure of making the right bid at the right time. It's the third title in the Alea Medium Box series, promising a balanced challenge for players aged 12 and up.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
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Game details

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Cities: Augsburg (Bavaria, Germany) Series: Alea Medium Box
Publisher alea, Ravensburger AG, Rio Grande Games
Designer Karsten Hartwig
Artist Czarnè
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Augsburg 1520?
The playtime ranges from 25 to 75 minutes, depending on the number of players and how quickly the auction rounds proceed.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, offering different dynamics with each player count.
What is the game's complexity? Is it hard to learn?
The complexity is considered moderate. The rules are simple and focused on the auction mechanic, making it easy to learn but with room for strategic depth.
Is the game heavily language-dependent?
No, the language dependency is minimal. There is little text on the cards and components, which is easy to memorize or translate, allowing players of different nationalities to play together.
Who would you recommend Augsburg 1520 to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy games with auction mechanics, economic or medieval themes, and prefer games with more straightforward rules and a reasonable playtime.
What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a main board, individual player boards, various cards with different values, and chits to represent resources or points.
Is Augsburg 1520 more about luck or strategy?
It's a balance between the two. Luck comes into play with the values of the auctioned cards and the actions you can choose, but strategy lies in how you manage your bids, decide when to fold, and which actions to prioritize.