Hacienda

In Hacienda, we're transported to the South American pampas to compete for space and drive livestock to market. Each turn, you have three actions to spend as you wish: buy cards that give you the power to place tiles on the board, either to expand your lands or position your animals. Alternatively, you can invest in improvements like waterholes and the haciendas themselves, which provide an extra point boost. The game features two card decks: one with terrain types (which form the hexagonal map) and another with animals – cows, pigs, horses, and sheep. You can take face-up cards by paying a bit more, or risk a card from the draw pile for a lower price. By using the cards, you mark your territory and spread your animals. The magic happens when animals of the same type come together, forming herds. Each time a herd touches a market town, you earn money based on the herd's size and the connected land. Managing your cards and herds well not only fills your pockets but can also disrupt others' plans. Money is essential for buying more cards and improving your farm, but ultimately, victory points are what truly matter. They are counted mid-game and at the end, coming from where you have the most markets served, the size of your herds, the lands you control, and bonuses from haciendas and waterholes. Oh, and the board has two sides, one more symmetrical and another with a different layout to vary the gameplay. It's a game that demands good planning and rewards you for thinking ahead!