Get ready for a journey along the ancient Silk Road in Samarkand! In this 1980 economic game, you and your friends (2 to 5, to be exact!) will become merchants in pursuit of fortune. Forget the idea of trading directly with other players; here, trade happens differently. You'll visit nomad camps to exchange your cards for valuable goods, but first, you need to make an offering. Keep an eye on the oasis squares, where you can buy goods directly from the deck to complete your collections. The goal? Accumulate a specific type of commodity and race to the city where it's sold to cash in. Repeat this strategic cycle of collecting and delivering until one of the merchants reaches the 500 coin mark and claims victory! With race and set collection mechanics, Samarkand is an accessible game, with a weight of only 1.94, ideal for those seeking a fun experience without excessive stress. It's the kind of game that the whole family can enjoy, without requiring hours of rule study. A classic gem by Sid Sackson, proving that older games still have a lot to offer!