# Cordoba

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1990
- **BGG Rating**: 6.8
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2
- **Duration**: —
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Reinhold Wittig
- **Artists**: Reinhold Wittig
- **Publishers**: Edition Perlhuhn (Göttinger Spiele)
- **Categories**: Medieval
- **Mechanics**: Point to Point Movement

## Verdict
Perfect for those who love fast, tactical duels signed by a master of game design.Simple and elegant rulesDirect and aggressive interactionCompact and portable sizeConstant board reversalsLimited to only two playersCan be frustrating to be pushed backRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready to travel back in time and dive into the vibrant atmosphere of 10th-century Córdoba! In a period where the coexistence of Jews, Christians, and Muslims shaped the region's culture, you and your opponent engage in a strategic struggle to dominate the urban space. The goal is simple, but the execution is where the fun lies: you need to move your pieces to the far side of the board to win. But don't think it'll be a peaceful stroll through the streets of Andalusia.

The big trick here is the interaction between the religions. Each piece represents a combination of two of these three groups. When you manage to place two of the same religious symbols on the same space, chaos ensues: all other pieces with that same symbol — including your opponent's — are pushed backward. It's that classic 'now you see!' moment that completely changes the course of the game.

Signed by the legendary Reiner Knizia, Córdoba delivers the typical experience of the designer: elegant rules, compact components (as part of the Micro line), and a surprising tactical depth for such a small game. It is a direct, fast, and dynamic duel, ideal for those seeking a strategic clash without spending hours reading a manual. Whether controlling key landmarks or using bonus cards for unexpected turns, every move is decisive. If you enjoy duel games where positioning is everything and a plot twist is always lurking, this little Spanish giant is the right choice for your table.

## How to Play
Objective of the Game
In Córdoba, a tactics game for 2 players, you step into a historical setting where Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted harmoniously in 10th-century Spain. The game revolves around maintaining religious balance. The winner is the player who first moves four of their stones to the destination row (the far side of the board). If both players achieve this in consecutive turns, the game ends in a draw.

Preparation (Setup)

  Place the board between the two players, seated side by side.
  Each player receives all pieces of one color.
  Place pieces on their start fields, marked by either a number or a letter.
  Agree on who will be the starting player.


Game Flow
Players take turns moving their pieces. On your turn, move one piece:

  Movement: Move two squares in a straight line sideways or forwards (forwards can be orthogonal or diagonal).
  You may jump over other stones during the move.
  The destination must be empty or occupied by a same-colored piece. If occupied, place the newcomer to the left or right of the resident piece.
  If you create a doubly occupied field, you must move one piece away from it on your next turn.


Actions and How to Play
Movement Rules
Pieces move two squares in a straight line (sideways or forwards, orthogonally or diagonally). Jumping over other stones is allowed.

Doubly Occupied Fields
If two same-colored pieces occupy one field, the player who caused this must move one piece away on their next turn.

Compensation (Religious Balance)
If two adjacent symbols in a doubly occupied field match, this creates a religious imbalance. To restore equilibrium:

  All stones (of any player) with that symbol connected orthogonally or diagonally to the doubly occupied field must be moved backward.
  The player responsible for the imbalance moves the affected stones:
  
    If on the first four rows, return them to their starting positions.
    If on the last four rows, move them three fields backward (orthogonally or diagonally) to an empty space. If blocked, move only two fields.
  


End of Game and Scoring
The game ends when a player has four stones in the destination row. The opponent then gets one additional turn to try to achieve the same. If successful, it's a draw; otherwise, the first player wins.

Tips to Win

  Plan ahead: Avoid creating doubly occupied fields unless you can handle the compensation consequences.
  Control the balance: Use symbol adjacency strategically to force opponents to move their pieces backward.
  Block wisely: Position your pieces to limit your opponent's movement options, especially near the destination row.

## FAQ
### Is the game complex?
Not at all! It's very accessible and quick to learn, ideal for those who want to play without reading giant manuals.

### How many people can play?
Córdoba is an exclusive 2-player game, perfect for a competitive duel.

### How long does a game last?
It's a fast game, ideal for filling the time between larger games or for a quick match at a cafe.

### What makes the game strategic?
The mechanic of pushing the opponent's pieces back by combining religious symbols creates a very tense cat-and-mouse game.

### Is it recommended for beginners?
Absolutely! Being part of the Micro line and having clear rules, it's a great gateway into strategy games.