# Istanbul: Choose & Write ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2023 - **BGG Rating**: 6.6 - **BGG Rank**: #8469 - **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 30-45 min - **Weight**: 2.14 / 5 - **Designers**: Rüdiger Dorn - **Artists**: Andreas Resch - **Publishers**: Pegasus Spiele, CMON Global Limited, Hobby Japan, Matagot - **Categories**: Card Game - **Mechanics**: Paper-and-Pencil, Solo / Solitaire Game, Turn Order: Progressive ## Verdict Fans of bazaars and strategy will love the real‑time writing twist in Istanbul: Choose & Write.Real‑time strategic writingFast, impactful decisionsInclusive solo modeModerate learning curveRequires focus while writingRECOMMENDED ## Description Istanbul: Choose & Write brings the familiar bazaar vibe of Istanbul, but with a twist that has you writing your own decisions. Each player has a personal bazaar board in front of them where they record the choices they make each round. Instead of a shared board, you decide whether to play a Location card, letting everyone perform that space’s action, or a Guild card, which costs liras but grants a powerful effect only for the player who plays it. The flip‑and‑write mechanic turns the game into a planning challenge: you must anticipate the progressive turn order and use cards to maximize your profits. It works great for 1‑5 players or solo play, keeping the tension of trade and negotiation alive. Components are simple—cards, lira tokens, and a paper sheet for notes—but the combination of choices and writing creates a unique, engaging experience. If you love card games with a strategic edge and enjoy planning moves ahead, Istanbul: Choose & Write is a solid pick. The main caveat is the learning curve: the writing mechanic can frustrate those not used to jotting down moves in real time. After a few rounds, the fun kicks in and the sense of controlling the bazaar is fantastic. ## FAQ ### How long does a typical game last? Between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on player count and experience. ### How many players can join? 1 to 5 players, including a solo mode that offers an interesting autonomous challenge. ### What is the game's complexity? Medium. The writing mechanic can require extra focus, but the rules are straightforward. ### What are the main components? Location cards, Guild cards, lira tokens, a paper sheet, and writing tokens. ### Who is this game recommended for? Those who enjoy card games with strategic planning and are willing to jot decisions in real time. ### Can it be played solo? Yes, there's a solo mode that lets you test strategies without other players. ### How does the progressive turn order work? Turn order advances each round, forcing players to adapt to different positions and plan their actions accordingly. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 21.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5221648&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 22.66 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4487879&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 22.69 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4426836&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 25.12 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4527885&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 25.38 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6848258&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 25.43 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4533242&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 25.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6157418&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 26.47 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4814861&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 26.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4596274&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 28.22 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6721651&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/44194/istanbul-choose-write?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com