# Patchwork: Automa ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2018 - **BGG Rating**: 7.6 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1 (Best with: 1) - **Duration**: 15-30 min - **Weight**: 2.00 / 5 - **Designers**: Lines J. Hutter, Morten Monrad Pedersen - **Artists**: Klemens Franz - **Publishers**: Lookout Games, Automa Factory, Lacerta - **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Expansion for Base-game, Puzzle - **Mechanics**: Solo / Solitaire Game, Tile Placement, Turn Order: Time Track ## Verdict Love Patchwork and want to play solo? This expansion adds a clever virtual opponent so you're never left hanging!Functional solo modeKeeps game's essenceGreat for practiceQuick, easy gamesRequires base gameCard-driven opponentLess interactionRECOMMENDED ## Description If you're a fan of that beloved patchwork game but sometimes crave a solo session, Patchwork: Automa is your go-to! This expansion, originally featured in a Lookout Games magazine, introduces a solo variant where you face off against a game-controlled opponent. The core idea is straightforward: you'll use cards to simulate an adversary's moves, aiming to fill your board as efficiently as possible before time runs out or the Automa 'wins'. It's the same familiar gameplay of fitting fabric patches, managing your buttons, and snagging that 7-point button, but now with a personal challenge. The complexity is quite low, making it perfect for those seeking a quick, relaxing game that still offers a solid strategic puzzle. It's ideal for satisfying your Patchwork cravings when no one else is around or for honing your skills before facing a real opponent. Don't expect groundbreaking new mechanics; instead, anticipate an intelligent and well-executed adaptation for those who adore the base game and want another way to enjoy it. Think of it as having a virtual sewing partner who never complains and always provides a good challenge! ## How to Play Objective of the Game The Automa variant allows you to play PATCHWORK solo by introducing an artificial opponent. Your goal remains the same as in the base game: to build the most aesthetic (and high-scoring) quilt on your quilt board. You compete against the Automa, which collects patches and scores points based on a chosen difficulty level. You win if you have more points than the Automa at the end of the game. Setup Set up the base game as described in the standard rules. Note that the Automa does not receive a quilt board or any starting buttons. Choose between the normal deck (cards 1-12) or the tactical deck (cards 13-24). Shuffle the 12 cards and place them face down as the Automa deck. Discard two cards from the deck unseen into a discard pile. Select your difficulty level (I to V). Place a button from the general supply on the time board a specific number of spaces away from the final space to determine when the Automa may claim the 7x7 special tile: I. Intern: 1 space away II. Apprentice: 9 spaces away III. Fellow: 12 spaces away IV. Master: 15 spaces away V. Legend: 18 spaces away Course of Play The game follows the base rules with specific adjustments for the Automa: You always take the first turn. When it is the Automa's turn, reveal the top card of the Automa deck. This card indicates how many virtual buttons the Automa has available to "spend" on a patch. The Automa never actually spends buttons. The Automa does not place patches on a board; instead, it collects them into two piles: one for patches with buttons and one for patches without. When the Automa deck is empty, shuffle the discard pile (including the two cards set aside during setup) to form a new deck. Actions and How to Play On the Automa's turn, look at the next three patches in the circle. Determine which patches the Automa can afford based on the button value shown on the revealed Automa card: A. Cannot afford any: The Automa passes, moves its time token, and may trigger button income. It gains no buttons for passing. B. Can afford exactly one: The Automa takes that patch, places it in the appropriate pile, and moves its time token. C. Can afford more than one: Apply the filters shown on the Automa card from top to bottom until only one patch remains. If a filter leaves no patches, skip it. Filters include: The patch costs so little time that the Automa's time token will not overtake yours. The patch with the most buttons. The largest patch. The patch furthest from the neutral token. Whenever the Automa triggers button income, it receives a number of buttons equal to the value shown at the bottom right of the current Automa card (0 to 5). End of Game and Scoring The game ends as per the base rules. The Automa claims the 7x7 special tile if its time token moves onto or past the button placed during setup, unless you have already covered a 7x7 square on your board. The Automa scores 7 points for the 7x7 special tile, plus additional points based on your chosen difficulty: I: No additional points. II: 1 point per collected button. III: 1 point per collected button and 1 point per collected patch with buttons. IV: 1 point per collected button and 1 point per button on its collected patches. V: 1 point per collected button, 1 point per collected patch with buttons, and 1 point per button on these patches. You win if you have more points than the Automa. In the event of a tie, use the normal tie-breaker rules. Dicas para Vencer Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. ## FAQ ### Do I need the base game Patchwork to play this expansion? Absolutely! Patchwork: Automa is an expansion and relies entirely on the base game to function. ### How many people can play with this expansion? This expansion is specifically for solo play, so it's for 1 player. ### Is it complicated to learn to play solo? No, the complexity is quite low. The rules for controlling the Automa are simple and quick to grasp. ### Is the solo experience similar to playing against another person? It's similar in terms of patchwork and management mechanics, but the direct player interaction is replaced by the challenge of beating the Automa. ### How long does a solo game take? Generally, games are quick, lasting between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your familiarity with the game. ### What comes in the box? The expansion usually includes a deck of cards for the Automa and possibly some additional pieces or markers, depending on the edition.