# Kontor

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1999
- **BGG Rating**: 6.0
- **BGG Rank**: #8672
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.20 / 5
- **Designers**: Michael Schacht
- **Artists**: Franz Vohwinkel, Olivier Frot
- **Publishers**: 999 Games, Goldsieber Spiele, Tilsit
- **Categories**: City Building, Nautical, Renaissance
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Commodity Speculation, Map Addition, Square Grid, Take That, Tile Placement, Turn Order: Stat-Based

## Verdict
If you love tile‑laying games where placement matters, Kontor offers tension and deep negotiation.Strategic area controlDynamic map expansionEngaging historic themeSteep learning curveCore rules for 2 playersRECOMMENDED

## Description
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.

## FAQ
### 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.