# Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Secrets & Soirees Expansion

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 7.7
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-8 (Best with: 6)
- **Duration**: 45-60 min
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Ben Rosset, Matthew O'Malley
- **Artists**: Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Bartłomiej Kordowski, Laura Bevon
- **Publishers**: Stonemaier Games, Maldito Games, Matagot
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Post-Napoleonic
- **Mechanics**: Closed Drafting, Highest-Lowest Scoring, Set Collection, Simultaneous Action Selection, Solo / Solitaire Game, Team-Based Game, Tile Placement, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
If you love castle parties and crave more competition, this expansion is your next move.More rooms, more funEasy solo modeIncreases player countModerate complexityOptional rules may confuseHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Picture the mad king throwing the ultimate neighborhood bash – and you, along with up to seven friends, battle to build the grandest castle! The *Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Secrets & Soirees* expansion raises the player count from 4 to 8, adding two new rooms: the **Activity Room** and the **Secret Room**. Each offers unique bonuses and demands different tactics, while the new **Ballroom** becomes the showstopper for glamour‑seekers and extra points. It also brings more bonus cards, a revamped throne, and a solo *Automa* mode that simulates neighbors if you prefer to play alone. For the adventurous, optional rules let you build your own castle instead of sharing a single structure – great for personalization and head‑to‑head competition. The game stays true to its castle‑building charm, with construction cards, resources, and closed drafting that make each match distinct.

The expansion adds new building pieces, bonus cards, and a set of castle components that fit seamlessly into the existing board. Playtime stays brisk, with each round taking about 3–4 minutes, and the complexity sits at 2/5 – easy to learn yet still demanding strategic thought. If you already own the base game or are considering a purchase, this add‑on is a solid upgrade that keeps the fun high while layering new strategic depth.

For solo enthusiasts, the *Automa* mode offers a convenient option: you can play against the AI, which acts like a real neighbor, without needing more players. If you prefer team or small‑group play, the expansion works great with 2–4 players, maintaining the same fun. In short, *Secrets & Soirees* turns the party into a showcase of building, strategy, and friendly rivalry.

## FAQ
### How long does a game last with the expansion?
Games typically run between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on player count and optional rules you choose.

### Can I play with just 2 players?
Yes, it works smoothly with 2 to 4 players, keeping the same fun and dynamics.

### Do I need anything special to play solo?
No, just enable the Automa mode – it simulates neighbors for solo play.

### What new rooms does the expansion add?
The Activity Room, the Secret Room, and the Ballroom, plus more bonus cards.

### Does the expansion add more building pieces?
Yes, new building tiles fit into the existing board, enriching the experience.

### How does the own‑castle rule work?
It’s an optional rule that replaces the shared structure with individual castles for each player.

### Does the draft mechanic change?
No, drafting stays closed, but new rooms alter the card options available.

## Price Comparison
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