Mille Fiori: The Masterpieces — How to Play

Objective of the Game

During the lagoon's Golden Age, players take on the role of influential citizens advising the Doge, shaping Venice's political fortunes and perfecting the art of glassmaking. The goal is to earn the most points by creating Masterworks, advancing on the Small Council track, trading along the Sea Route, and strategically using Doge and Dogaressa Cards. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Preparation (Setup)

In addition to setting up the base game:

1. Place the Expansion Board to the right of the base game board.
2. Shuffle the 6 Council Tiles and place them randomly on the Small Council spaces on the Expansion Board. Ensure no tiles of the same color are adjacent.
3. Separate the new cards by their backs:
   • Doge Cards and Masterworks Cards (20 total): Shuffle these with the base game cards. Reveal 9 cards face-up to the left of the base board.
   • Masterworks Cards (27): Shuffle and place face-down to the right of the new board. Draw 3 to display face-up.
   • Dogaressa Cards (12): Shuffle and place face-down to the right of the new board. Draw 3 to display face-up.
4. Each player takes 1 Council Figure in their color and places it on the bottom space of the bottom Council Tile.
5. Place the 8 Score Tokens next to the 100 space on the Score Track.

Rule changes for 2 players: Each round, players now play 4 cards (instead of the base game’s exception rule). The Start Player Card only changes when a Doge Card is played.

Game Flow

Players take turns playing cards to advance their Council Figures, collect Masterworks, and move ships on the Sea Route. Key phases include:

• Card Play: Play cards from hand or use Dogaressa Cards for special actions.
• Council Figure Movement: Move up the Small Council track via card colors, Doge/Dogaressa Cards, or Sea Route bonuses.
• Rewards: Earn points, Masterworks, or other bonuses when landing on Council spaces.

Actions and How to Play

1. The Small Council

Move your Council Figure up by:

• Played Card Color: Match the color of your current Council space (brown, purple, green, light blue).
• Doge/Dogaressa Cards: Follow arrow instructions (1–3 moves).
• Sea Route: Land on spaces with arrow symbols.

Rewards (received when ending movement): Points, Masterworks, Dogaressa Cards, or Sea Route advancement.

2. Doge Cards

When played:

• Take the Start Player Card.
• Move your Council Figure as shown by arrows (1–2 spaces).
• Gain points if specified.

3. Dogaressa Cards

Use instead of playing a card. Types:

• Points: Gain specified points.
• 2 Masterworks: Take 2 Masterwork Cards.
• Extra Card: Play an extra card from the display.
• Sea Route: Move your ship 1–7 spaces.
• Minor/Major Doge Card: Move 1–3 spaces, gain points, and take the Start Player Card.

4. Sea Route

New spaces offer:

• Masterworks: Take a displayed card.
• Council Figure Movement: Move 1–2 spaces per arrows.

5. Masterworks

Place collected Masterwork Cards in a 3x3 Shop Window grid. At game end, score rows/columns for matching colors/shapes (10–20 bonus points per line).

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends when the card supply is exhausted. Final scoring includes:

• Points from Score Track and Score Tokens (for circling the track).
• Shop Window bonuses (matching lines).
• Bonus points for reaching the Doge’s Palace or end of the Sea Route first.

Tips to Win

• Prioritize Council Movement: Early bonuses for reaching the Doge’s Palace are worth more points.
• Plan Your Shop Window: Strategically place Masterworks to maximize row/column matches.
• Use Dogaressa Cards Wisely: Save powerful cards like Major Doge for critical turns.