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Agricola

Agricola is a worker placement game where players build and manage a farm, raising animals, planting crops, and expanding their home. Players must balance food production and family growth to score points.

7.88 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2007
published year
1 - 5
player count
1 - 5
Recommended player count
30 - 150 mins
play time

How Complex is Agricola?

3.64 / 5

Agricola has a moderate complexity level, with many options and strategies to consider. The rulebook is clear, but the game can take several plays to fully grasp.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Agricola?

1.5 / 5

Luck plays a minor role in Agricola as players have control over their actions and can plan ahead. However, the random card draw can affect strategy and scoring opportunities.

How much Player Interaction does Agricola offer?

3 / 5

Agricola has limited direct player interaction, but there is competition for resources and occupation cards. Players can also block each other's actions and compete for scoring opportunities.

How much Replayability does Agricola offer?

4 / 5

Agricola offers high replayability due to the vast number of occupation and minor improvement cards, variable setup, and different strategies that can be employed.

Why you should play Agricola

Strategic gameplay

Agricola is a game that requires players to think strategically about how they want to build their farm and manage their resources. Players must balance their need for food, animals, and crops while also building structures and expanding their family.

Replayability

With over 300 cards that can be used to customize the game, Agricola offers a high level of replayability. Each game can be different depending on which cards are used, making it a game that can be played over and over again.

Challenging gameplay

Agricola is a challenging game that requires players to make tough decisions and manage their resources carefully. The game can be difficult to master, but the challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding to play.

Family-friendly

Despite its strategic gameplay, Agricola is a family-friendly game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game is easy to learn and the artwork is charming and engaging.

Solo play

Agricola can be played solo, making it a great option for those who enjoy playing board games alone. The solo version of the game offers a unique challenge and can be a great way to improve your skills before playing with others.

Expansion options

Agricola has several expansion options that can be added to the game to increase its complexity and replayability. These expansions include new cards, new resources, and new gameplay mechanics.

Awards

Agricola has won several awards, including the International Gamers Award and the Deutscher Spiele Preis. These awards are a testament to the game's quality and popularity among board game enthusiasts.

Why you should avoid Agricola

Complexity

While some players enjoy the strategic complexity of Agricola, others may find it overwhelming or frustrating. The game requires careful resource management and planning, which can be challenging for some players.

Length

Agricola can be a lengthy game, especially when playing with a full group of players. The game can take several hours to complete, which may not be ideal for those looking for a quick game.

Theme

The theme of Agricola may not be appealing to all players. The game is centered around farming and building a homestead, which may not be as exciting or engaging as other themes.

Randomness

While the game offers a high level of replayability, it also has a significant amount of randomness. The cards that are drawn can greatly impact the outcome of the game, which may frustrate some players who prefer more control over their gameplay.

Limited player interaction

Agricola is a game that is primarily focused on individual player strategies and resource management. While there is some limited player interaction, such as competing for resources or blocking opponents, the game may not offer as much social interaction as some players prefer.

Where to find the Rules of Agricola

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Agricola files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Agricola

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Agricola.

Focus on food

In Agricola, you need to feed your family every harvest. Make sure you have enough food to feed them, or you'll lose points. Try to get a food engine going early on, such as building a fireplace or baking bread.

Plan ahead

You only have a limited number of actions each round, so plan ahead and prioritize what you want to do. Think about what resources you need and what actions will help you get them.

Don't neglect your home

Your home is where you'll be placing your family members and animals. Make sure you have enough space for them and upgrade your home when you can.

Diversify your farm

Don't just focus on one type of animal or crop. Try to have a variety of animals and crops to maximize your points.

Keep an eye on your opponents

Pay attention to what your opponents are doing and try to block them from getting the resources they need. However, don't neglect your own farm in the process.

Use the occupation and improvement cards

These cards can give you powerful bonuses and abilities. Try to get cards that complement your strategy and use them to your advantage.

Aim for the bonus points

There are several ways to earn bonus points in Agricola, such as having a large family or having a variety of animals. Keep these in mind and try to work towards them throughout the game.

Remember, Agricola is a complex game with many different strategies. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things!

Advanced Strategies for Agricola

Focus on occupations and improvements

As you become more familiar with the game, you'll start to recognize which cards are most useful for your strategy. Try to get the cards that will give you the most benefit and use them to your advantage.

Plan for the endgame

The final rounds of the game are crucial for earning points. Make sure you have a plan for how you'll score points in the final rounds, whether it's through bonus points or completing major improvements.

Use the minor improvements wisely

Minor improvements can be very useful, but they can also take up valuable action spaces. Try to use them strategically, such as using a card that gives you extra resources when you take the "Take 1 Grain" action.

Block your opponents

As you become more experienced, you'll start to recognize which actions your opponents are likely to take. Try to block them from getting the resources they need, such as taking the "Take 1 Wood" action if you know your opponent needs wood.

Don't forget about the animals

Animals can be a great source of points, especially if you have a variety of them. Try to get at least one of each type of animal and focus on breeding them to increase your points.

Take risks

Sometimes, taking a risk can pay off big time. For example, if you're short on food, you could take the "Bake Bread" action even if you don't have all the resources you need. If you're successful, you'll get a lot of food and points.

Be flexible

Finally, remember that Agricola is a game of adaptation. Don't be too rigid in your strategy - be willing to change course if you see an opportunity to score more points.

Mechanics

Variable Player Powers
Hand Management
Enclosure
Worker Placement
Solo / Solitaire Game
Turn Order: Claim Action
Automatic Resource Growth
Increase Value of Unchosen Resources
Closed Drafting

Categories

Farming
Economic
Animals

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