Trader: Exchange 3x Goods (of the same type) for 1x Gold; or 2x Goods (of the same type) for 1x other Good. Wonders Duel, Azul, Patchwork, Jaipur and Sagrada are the other five that would come to mind for the best two player experiences. The thing that makes Targi stand out from that crowd is its worker placement mechanic. My favourite worker placement games, Everdell and Viticulture, play very nicely in a two, but they suit a three or four better. Targi on the other hand is solely a two player experience. And the development of the game as such is felt in the simplicity, satisfaction and smoothness of the game play. Targi is one of the best small box two-player games out there. It feels like you are playing such a “bigger” game. The choices and strategy within this tiny box are huge. The gameplay is smooth, satisfying and rewarding. You will feel absorbed throughout and the scoring mechanic is such that it is hard to guess who is going to be the winner until the final scoring. Unless someone races ahead with tribe cards, but that is very rare. As such, at all times, both players are engrossed. At the end of the turn, when both players have finished their actions, the central face-down Goods and Tribe cards are turned face-up. The first player gives the amulet to the other player who becomes the new first player. A new turn begins by moving the Robber.

Players are not allowed to discard the card they have in their hand or to trade that card with one they have just drawnThe crux of Targi lies in set collection of Tribe Cards. But how to do you earn them? How do you use your Targi figures? How do you avoid the bandits? Fear not, my friends. Today, let’s learn how to play Targi. Then you too can see why it’s one of the jewels in Kosmos Games’ crown… Targi: The Elevator Pitch Every three rounds the robber raids, taking either resources, points or money. Preparing for this is another element to plan for and spices up the rounds preceding this. Prepping to make sure you have the necessary item to stop the robber taking something else more valuable. But all the time, trying to build your display of tribe cards.

The card art in Targi is evocative of the theme, with shiny dates, hairy camels, and sandy dunes. I did find myself hoping the play would be a little more thematic. Set up is a snap, and the redistribution of the inner tableau each game allows for variety. The font on the cards could be a hair wider to improve readability, but all symbols are clear from a distance. Collect cards for resources or VPs Are any of those the ultimate board game for 2 players, though? Realistically, no - that honor would go to chess. Yes, it's surprising. But in terms of sales, chess shifts three million units per year. We suspect that's more than all of the above combined.Trader: Players may exchange 3 of the same goods for 1 gold, or 2 identical goods for 1 other good. Players may exchange as many times as they are able. Being able to swap your letters around when you run out of space takes things up a notch. It really gives your gray matter a workout, and while that will understandably turn some people off, it's a thrill for those who love word games.

The only differences between Tribe cards are their types – camel rider, oasis, well, dwelling, or targia – and the different abilities they may provide. Some are instant abilities, some are ongoing, and some provide extra VP at the end of the game if certain conditions are met. Before your first game, carefully remove the various pieces from the frame. Players should sit in such a way that they both can read the cards.Instead of placing a new Tribe card, the Noble action also allows a player to discard the Tribe card kept in hand, thus freeing his hand for a better card. 5. New Goods and Tribe cards - First player token chances hand If you were not blown away by Targi then I would wager this won't change that. It just makes a great game to have a few more options. It won't look or feel that different, the colour scheme will still be bland and uninspiring, the game still just a two-player only experience. The interaction and volume still somewhat muted. But as I say, maybe you just didn’t like it for the analysis paralysis that can occur. And if this is the case, buy this immediately. How it works: Your aim is simple - build a quilt before the timer runs out. Fortunately, that process is much easier in Patchwork than it would be in real life. Players 'buy' patches to slot onto their board with buttons, and this earns them buttons in return. They can then buy more patches that earn them even more buttons. It's a satisfying domino effect, and whoever collects the most buttons at the end will win. Players then proceed with the final scoring during which the players count their VPs (VP tokens and victory points from their Tribe cards). With this minor quibble sorted, what you are left with is an absorbing game. There is so much to admire about Targi, and Targi The Expansion builds on all the good bits and could be one of the best expansions out there. So, in essence, what I am talking about here is one of the best expansions for one of the best games. Do you really need to read on? Waiting for the twist…

Play ends when a player paces their twelfth tribe card or if the robber reaches the 4 th raid. Scoring is done by adding the number of direct VPs, card text, and bonuses in each player’s tableau. The player with the most points wins. Progress around the outside while gaining cards from the inside Game Experience:

Back In the Saddle

The game of Targi puts the players in control of two opposing Tuareg tribes as they navigate their way through the desert plying their trade of dates, salt, and pepper while establishing settlements along the way. Targi is a worker placement game and, in true worker placement fashion, deciding where to send your tribesmen is as much about setting yourself up for success as it is trying to ensure your opponent doesn’t find success of their own. Image credit: Twin Drums, Cephalofair Games, Prospero Hall, Cubicle 7) What are the most popular board games for 2 players? Example: Blue begins by placing his first Targi 1. Then, White places his first Targi onto another card. White cannot put his Targi on the white X, and Blue cannot put his other Targis on the blue X (see facing rule). There should be ‘Raid’ cards at each corner (numbers 4, 8, 12, and 16). Cards are double-sided, with iconography alone on one side, or written text on the reverse. For your first game, consider having the written text side up, for reference. You could also consider having both players sitting alongside each other. That way you can both read these cards.