Kontor

999 Games, Goldsieber Spiele, Tilsit · Board game · 1999
6.5 Ludopedia 6.0 BGG 2–4 · best 2 60 min Weight 2.2/5
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6.5 rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love tile‑laying games where placement matters, Kontor offers tension and deep negotiation.

Highlights
  • Strategic area control
  • Dynamic map expansion
  • Engaging historic theme
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Core rules for 2 players
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Kontor drops you and your partner (or team) into late‑17th‑century Amsterdam, a bustling canal city where merchants scramble for spices, tea and wine. Each player runs a trading house and, round after round, plays Land or Water cards to expand the harbor map, opening new spots for trade routes. The win condition is to hold the majority of the three key commodities in each harbor zone; the player with the largest majorities at game end scores victory points. Tile placement on a square grid pairs with map addition, letting the board grow organically and making every placement decision affect area control. Commodity speculation kicks in as you decide where to invest, trying to predict which zones will yield the most points. Turn order is stat‑based – higher influence or wealth can grant earlier play, creating a strategic race for advantageous positions. Take‑That cards let you disrupt opponents, blocking spaces or stealing commodities. While the core game is built for two, expansions support up to four players and add scenarios for those who want variety. With advanced rules and multiple expansions, Kontor offers a tense, decision‑heavy experience perfect for fans of city‑building and maritime trade games with a historic flavor.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 OK
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Cities: Amsterdam (The Netherlands) Country: Netherlands
Publisher 999 Games, Goldsieber Spiele, Tilsit
Designer Michael Schacht
Artist Franz Vohwinkel, Olivier Frot

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,890owners
81wishlist
18want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players; the base game is for 2, with an expansion allowing up to 4.
What is the playing time?
Approximately 60 minutes, depending on player count and whether advanced rules are used.
How complex is the game?
Rated as an advanced game, with detailed rules and optional variants that add depth.
What components are included?
Land and Water cards, harbor tiles, commodity markers, control tokens, a scoring board, and Take‑That cards.
Who should buy this game?
Fans of city‑building, maritime trade and historic themes who enjoy tactical placement and negotiation.

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