# Great Wall of China

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2006
- **BGG Rating**: 6.2
- **BGG Rank**: #4589
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 1.85 / 5
- **Designers**: Reiner Knizia
- **Artists**: Marek Szyszko, Ted Nasmith
- **Publishers**: Egmont Polska, Fantasy Flight Games, 999 Games, Devir, KOSMOS, Laser plus, Sophisticated Games
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Hand Management

## Verdict
If you enjoy fast area‑control card games, Great Wall of China offers a lively 30‑minute experience.Quick, dynamic roundsVaried card abilitiesEasy to learnSimple components, limited depthCan feel repetitive over many playsRECOMMENDED

## Description
Great Wall of China puts each player in the shoes of a northern Chinese prince tasked with building sections of the legendary wall. Every player controls a personal deck of 20 cards: seven wall cards (1 point), three gate cards (2 points), one watchtower card (3 points) and nine variable‑value special cards that grant unique actions. At the start, the deck is shuffled and five cards are drawn. Depending on player count, two to four pairs of prestige tiles (values 1‑8) are laid out as the beginnings of card rows.

On a turn, the player first checks for point majority in any row, then takes two additional actions: either draw another card or add an identical card to a row. When a majority is held, a prestige tile may be placed on one of the player’s cards in that row. The first tile acts as a penalty until the second tile is claimed; once both are secured they are set aside for scoring and two new prestige tiles are revealed.

Special cards spice up the contest. A noble (1) forces all cards in the row to count as 1, a dragon (1) neutralizes an opponent’s card, cavalry (2) provides 2 points without costing an action, and infantry (5) gains value in groups – the first infantry is worth 1, the next 2, then 3, etc. The game ends when a player plays their last card or the final prestige tile is taken; each player then receives one last turn and the rows are resolved. The highest prestige total wins. Play time is about 30 minutes, for 2‑5 players, with a light weight (1.85/5), perfect for fans of quick decisions and area‑control battles.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 5 players.

### What is the typical playing time?
About 30 minutes.

### How complex is the game?
Light; it has a BGG weight of 1.85/5 and is easy to learn.

### What components are included in the box?
Colored cards (20 per player), prestige tiles, and scoring markers.

### Who is the game best suited for?
Players who enjoy quick card games with area control and simple tactical choices.

### Do I need expansions to play?
No, the base game contains everything needed.

### Is there a way to shorten the game further?
Yes, you can end the game as soon as the first prestige tile is claimed, making the session even faster.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 27.59 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6866335&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/11263/great-wall-of-china?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com