7.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a classic Eurogame with plenty of optimization and tough decisions, Saint Petersburg is a perfect fit. It's an elegant game that keeps you thinking with every purchase!
Highlights
- Smart resource optimization
- Constant tactical decisions
- Addictive gameplay loop
- Elegant rule set
- High replayability
Keep in mind
- Can feel a bit dry
- Indirect player interaction
- Card draw dependent
About the game
What you do in a play session
In Saint Petersburg, you play as a Russian noble assisting Czar Peter in building the glorious city of Saint Petersburg, founded in 1703. Your goal is to attract nobility to your part of the city, which earns you victory points. However, to do this, you'll need plenty of money and workers. The game is essentially a card game featuring a central board to organize the four available card categories and track victory points. Each round, players purchase cards from Craftsmen (who generate income), Buildings (which provide victory points), Aristocrats (who are worth money, points, and end-game bonuses), and unique cards that combine benefits from the previous categories. The purchase order is fixed, but card availability and competition with other players make every decision crucial. Early on, money is tight, and you need to choose your purchases wisely. Later, you'll have plenty of cash, but the cards you wanted might already be gone! It's a game of resource and time optimization, where every purchase counts. Expansions, such as 'Sankt Petersburg: Das Bankett' and 'Saint Petersburg: New Society & Banquet Expansion', add even more depth and variety to the experience.
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Rules manual
Official PDF file
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Hans im Glück, 999 Games, Albi, Hobby World, Rio Grande Games, Schmidt Spiele
Designer
Bernd Brunnhofer
Artist
Doris Matthäus
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
13,515owners
2,195wishlist
600want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Saint Petersburg?
A game of Saint Petersburg typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and the group's experience.
How many players can play Saint Petersburg?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering a balanced experience across all player counts.
What is the complexity level of the game?
Saint Petersburg is considered a medium-complexity game (BGG weight of 2.43/5). The rules are easy to learn, but strategic mastery requires a few plays.
What components are included in the box?
The box contains a scoring board, a deck of various card types (craftsmen, buildings, aristocrats, unique), wooden player markers, and currency (rubles) for money.
Who is Saint Petersburg recommended for?
It's perfect for players who enjoy classic Eurogames, resource optimization, and set collection. If you like to think ahead and make tactical choices, you'll definitely enjoy it.
Is there much player interaction?
Interaction is mainly indirect, through competing for cards in the common market. You might 'draft' a card your opponent wanted, but there are no direct attacks or sabotage.
Are the expansions essential?
They are not essential to enjoy the excellent base game. However, expansions add more card variety and modules that can enrich the experience for those seeking more depth.
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