# Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #73
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 3.66 / 5
- **Designers**: Daniele Tascini, Simone Luciani
- **Artists**: Milan Vavroň
- **Publishers**: Czech Games Edition (CGE), Cranio Creations, Devir, DiceTree Games, Feelindigo, GaGa Games
- **Categories**: Ancient, Civilization, Economic, Farming, Mythology
- **Mechanics**: Bias, End Game Bonuses, Once-Per-Game Abilities, Track Movement, Turn Order: Claim Action, Worker Placement

## Verdict
If you're looking for a worker placement game that truly innovates, Tzolk'in is a must-play. Its dynamic gear mechanism is a stroke of genius, making every decision about timing and placement feel incredibly impactful.
Innovative rotating gear worker placement
Deep strategic planning and timing
Rewarding long-term worker placement
Unique Mayan theme integration
Can be punishing for missteps
Requires careful resource management
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
In Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar, you'll dive into Mayan culture with a pure genius worker placement mechanism: dynamic gears! Forget static boards; here, your workers travel on giant gears that rotate each round, taking them to different action spots. It's like having a giant Mayan calendar at the center of your table, dictating the game's rhythm.

Each turn, you face a crucial decision: place one or more workers on the gears, paying corn (the game's currency), or retrieve workers to perform actions corresponding to their current position. The clever twist is that the longer your worker stays on the gear, the more valuable the action becomes. It's a game of patience and planning, where time is your ally, but you can't just ignore your workers—if all of them are on the gears, it's time to pick some up!

The game concludes after one full revolution of the central Tzolk'in gear. The beauty lies in the variety of paths to victory: you can please the gods by placing crystal skulls in deep caves, construct majestic temples, or focus on other strategies. Tzolk'in offers a unique experience that challenges your planning and your ability to adapt to the flow of time.

## FAQ
### Is Tzolk'in a complex game for beginners?
It has a medium-heavy weight (3.66/5), so it might be a challenge for those new to more strategic board games. However, the learning curve is well worth it for the unique experience it offers!

### What's the best player count for Tzolk'in?
It works very well with 3 or 4 players, where competition for gear spaces and indirect interaction are most intense. With 2 players, the experience is still great, but a bit less tight.

### How long does a game of Tzolk'in last?
A game typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules. It's a game to dedicate an afternoon or evening to.

### Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the components are robust, and the gears are the main highlight, both functionally and aesthetically. It's a game that impresses on the table.

### Is there luck involved in Tzolk'in?
Luck is minimal. Tzolk'in is a game of pure strategy, where planning and optimizing your actions are the determining factors for victory. Perfect for those who don't like to rely on dice!

### Does Tzolk'in have expansions?
Yes, the 'Tribes & Prophecies' expansion adds more depth and variability, with asymmetrical tribes and prophecies that change the game rules each round. It's a great addition for those who have mastered the base game.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 49.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4823714&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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