# Carcassonne: Wheel of Fortune

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2009
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #3201
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 2.04 / 5
- **Designers**: Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
- **Artists**: Doris Matthäus
- **Publishers**: Hans im Glück, 999 Games, Hobby World, Rio Grande Games
- **Categories**: City Building, Medieval, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Tile Placement

## Verdict
Perfect for those who love classic Carcassonne but want a bit of luck and more tile variety. The map center completely changes the dynamic!Wheel mechanic adds unpredictabilityIncludes tiles from several expansionsWorks as standalone or expansionMore dynamic map layoutLuck can frustrate purist playersTakes up more table spaceRECOMMENDED

## Description
You know the classic Carcassonne that everyone loves? 'Wheel of Fortune' takes that foundation and adds a dash of chaos and luck with the Wheel of Fortune. The main highlight is the starting tile: instead of a single piece, you start with a giant 4x4 square that serves as the map's center and introduces the wheel mechanic. The game is versatile: you can play it as a standalone game (it includes most of the base game tiles) or as an expansion for your original set.

What changes in practice? Some tiles now have numbers printed on them. When you place one of these, you move the 'pig' around the Wheel of Fortune. Depending on where the pig lands, wild things happen: you might score bonus points or, worse, be forced to remove a meeple from the board. Additionally, there's a strategic option to forgo placing a follower on the map to place one on the wheel instead, hoping the pig lands on your spot to score.

The content is quite generous, mixing the 63 original tiles with pieces from other famous expansions, such as 'Inns & Cathedrals', 'Traders & Builders', and 'King & Scout'. This makes the experience richer and more varied from the start. If you already own the base game, you can use the wagon wheel watermark to differentiate the pieces. It's the perfect choice for those who want to 'upgrade' the basic game without buying five different expansions, bringing more interaction and unpredictability to the table.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to play?
No! It comes with enough tiles to be played standalone, but it also works as an expansion if you already own the original.

### What is the biggest difference from regular Carcassonne?
The Wheel of Fortune in the center of the map, which triggers random events and bonuses/penalties depending on where the pig lands.

### Is it much harder to learn?
Not at all; the core is the same. The new mechanic is intuitive and easy to memorize, without adding heavy complexity.

### How many people can play?
From 2 to 5 players, keeping it fun for both duels and larger groups.

### How long does a game take?
Usually around 30 minutes, making it a quick and dynamic option for any occasion.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 16.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5044324&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 18.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=149263&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/626/carcassonne-wheel-of-fortune?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com