Yokohama
Yokohama is a strategic board game where players compete to become the most successful merchant in Yokohama by managing resources, completing contracts, and building a network of shops and trading houses.
How Complex is Yokohama?
Yokohama has a moderate complexity level due to its multiple mechanics and strategic depth, but is easy to learn with clear rules and player aids.
How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Yokohama?
Luck plays a minor role in Yokohama as players can mitigate the randomness of the draw deck by strategically managing their resources and planning their actions. However, there is still a degree of luck involved in the initial setup and card draw.
How much Player Interaction does Yokohama offer?
Yokohama offers moderate player interaction through the use of worker placement mechanics and the ability to block opponents' actions. However, the game also allows players to focus on their own strategies without much interference from others.
How much Replayability does Yokohama offer?
Yokohama offers high replayability due to the variable setup, multiple paths to victory, and the randomization of the contract and technology cards. Each game presents new challenges and opportunities.
Why you should play Yokohama
Unique gameplay mechanics
Yokohama has a unique gameplay mechanic where players use their workers to move their president around the board, allowing them to take actions and gain resources. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Beautiful artwork
The game features beautiful artwork that immerses players in the theme of the game, which is set in the bustling city of Yokohama during the Meiji era.
Multiple paths to victory
There are multiple ways to score points in Yokohama, including completing contracts, building buildings, and shipping goods. This allows players to pursue different strategies and keeps the game interesting.
Replayability
With a variety of different buildings and contracts available each game, Yokohama offers a high level of replayability. Players can try different strategies and explore different paths to victory each time they play.
Engaging gameplay
Yokohama is a highly engaging game that keeps players on their toes. With a limited number of workers and actions available each turn, players must carefully plan their moves and anticipate their opponents' actions. This makes for a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience.
Why you should avoid Yokohama
Complex rules
Yokohama has a relatively complex set of rules that can be overwhelming for new players. It may take some time to fully understand the game mechanics and how they interact with each other.
Lengthy gameplay
The game can take a while to play, especially with a full complement of players. This may not be ideal for players who prefer shorter, more streamlined games.
Limited player interaction
While there is some player interaction in Yokohama, it is not as direct or confrontational as in some other games. This may not be appealing to players who enjoy more aggressive or competitive gameplay.
Overall, while Yokohama is a well-designed and engaging game, it may not be the best fit for all players. Those who prefer simpler or more interactive games may want to look elsewhere.
Where to find the Rules of Yokohama
You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Yokohama files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.
Beginner Strategies for Yokohama
These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Yokohama.
Focus on building your trading network
The game revolves around trading goods and completing orders. Try to build a network of trading houses and assistants to maximize your trading potential.
Plan your moves ahead
Yokohama is a game where planning ahead is crucial. Try to anticipate your opponent's moves and plan your own moves accordingly.
Use your assistants wisely
Assistants are a valuable resource in the game. Use them to gain extra actions and to move around the board more efficiently.
Complete orders efficiently
Completing orders is the key to victory in Yokohama. Try to complete orders efficiently by planning your moves and using your trading network effectively.
Keep an eye on the scoring track
The game ends when a player reaches a certain number of points. Keep an eye on the scoring track and try to score points whenever possible.
Don't neglect the technology track
The technology track can provide valuable bonuses and advantages. Don't neglect it and try to advance on it whenever possible.
Balance your resources
Balancing your resources is important in Yokohama. Try to maintain a balance between money, trading houses, assistants, and orders.
Keep an eye on your opponents
Yokohama is a game where players can block each other's moves. Keep an eye on your opponents and try to anticipate their moves to avoid being blocked.
Advanced Strategies for Yokohama
Focus on the end game
As you become more familiar with the game, you'll start to understand the importance of the end game. Try to plan your moves and resources in a way that will help you score big in the final rounds.
Take advantage of the board layout
The board layout in Yokohama is unique and can be used to your advantage. Try to plan your moves in a way that allows you to move around the board efficiently and take advantage of the different areas.
Use the customs house to your advantage
The customs house can be a valuable resource in the game. Try to use it to your advantage by planning your moves and trading routes around it.
Keep an eye on the bonus tiles
Bonus tiles can provide valuable bonuses and advantages. Keep an eye on them and try to take advantage of them whenever possible.
Don't be afraid to take risks
As you become more familiar with the game, you'll start to understand when it's worth taking risks. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new strategies to see what works best for you.
Use your opponents' moves to your advantage
As you become more familiar with the game, you'll start to understand how to use your opponents' moves to your advantage. Try to anticipate their moves and plan your own moves accordingly.
Balance your resources based on the game situation
Balancing your resources is important in Yokohama, but it's also important to balance them based on the game situation. Try to adjust your strategy based on the current state of the game and your opponents' moves.
Use the technology track to your advantage
The technology track can provide valuable bonuses and advantages. Try to use it to your advantage by advancing on it strategically and taking advantage of the bonuses it provides.
