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Caylus box image

Caylus

Caylus is a worker placement game where players compete to build the most prestigious castle in medieval France. Players use resources and workers to construct buildings, gain points, and influence the king.

7.71 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2005
published year
2 - 5
player count
2 - 5
Recommended player count
60 - 150 mins
play time

How Complex is Caylus?

3.8 / 5

Caylus has a moderate complexity level due to its many mechanics and strategic options, but it is easy to learn with experience.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Caylus?

1.5 / 5

Luck plays a minor role in Caylus as players have control over their actions and can plan ahead. However, the order of the buildings and the king's favors can affect the game's outcome.

How much Player Interaction does Caylus offer?

3.5 / 5

Caylus offers moderate player interaction as players can block each other's actions and compete for resources, but there is no direct conflict or negotiation.

How much Replayability does Caylus offer?

4 / 5

Caylus offers high replayability due to the variable setup of the board, the different strategies players can employ, and the various paths to victory.

Why you should play Caylus

Strategic Depth

Caylus is a game that requires a lot of strategic thinking and planning. There are many different paths to victory, and players must carefully manage their resources and make smart decisions to succeed.

Replayability

With so many different strategies and paths to victory, Caylus offers a high level of replayability. No two games are ever the same, and players can continue to explore new strategies and tactics with each playthrough.

Engaging Gameplay

Caylus is a highly engaging game that keeps players on their toes throughout the entire game. There are many different ways to interact with the game, and players must constantly adapt to changing circumstances.

Historical Theme

Caylus is set in medieval France, and the game's theme and artwork are both highly immersive. Players will feel like they are building a castle and managing a village in medieval times.

Balanced Gameplay

Caylus is a game that is well-balanced and fair. There are no overpowered strategies or game-breaking mechanics, and players must rely on their own skill and strategy to succeed.

Player Interaction

Caylus is a game that encourages player interaction and competition. Players must compete for resources and influence, and there are many opportunities for players to block each other's progress.

Award-Winning

Caylus is a highly acclaimed game that has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award in 2006. This is a testament to the game's quality and popularity among players and critics alike.

Why you should avoid Caylus

Lengthy Gameplay

Caylus is a game that can take several hours to play, especially with a full complement of players. This may not be ideal for players who prefer shorter games or who have limited time available for gaming.

Complexity

Caylus is a game that can be quite complex, with many different rules and mechanics to learn and master. This may not be ideal for players who prefer simpler, more straightforward games.

Limited Theme

While the medieval theme of Caylus is immersive and engaging, it may not appeal to all players. Those who prefer games with more diverse or modern themes may not find Caylus 2005 to be their cup of tea.

Limited Player Interaction

While Caylus does encourage player interaction and competition, some players may find that the game lacks the level of direct conflict or confrontation that they prefer in a game.

Lack of Randomness

Caylus is a game that relies heavily on strategy and planning, with very little randomness or luck involved. This may not be ideal for players who prefer games with more chance or unpredictability.

Where to find the Rules of Caylus

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

Beginner Strategies for Caylus

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

Focus on building your castle

The castle is the centerpiece of the game, and it's important to build it up as quickly as possible. This will give you more options for placing workers and earning points.

Use your workers wisely

You only have a limited number of workers, so it's important to use them strategically. Try to plan ahead and think about which actions will give you the most benefit.

Pay attention to the turn order

The turn order can have a big impact on the game, so it's important to pay attention to it. Try to anticipate which actions your opponents will take and plan accordingly.

Don't neglect the resources

Resources are essential for building your castle and completing other actions. Make sure you have a steady supply of wood, stone, and other materials.

Keep an eye on the scoring opportunities

There are many different ways to earn points in Caylus, so it's important to keep an eye on the scoring opportunities. Try to focus on the ones that will give you the most points.

Be flexible

Caylus is a game that requires you to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Don't be afraid to change your strategy if things aren't going according to plan.

Practice makes perfect

Caylus is a complex game, and it may take a few plays to really get the hang of it. Don't get discouraged if you don't do well at first – keep practicing and you'll improve over time.

Advanced Strategies for Caylus

Focus on the prestige buildings

Prestige buildings are a great way to earn points, but they can be expensive to build. Try to focus on building them early in the game, as they can give you a significant advantage.

Use the provost to your advantage

The provost can be a powerful tool if used correctly. Try to manipulate the provost to block your opponents' workers or to force them to pay extra to use certain actions.

Plan ahead for the endgame

The endgame in Caylus can be unpredictable, so it's important to plan ahead. Try to anticipate which actions will be most valuable in the final rounds and focus on building up your resources and workers accordingly.

Don't be afraid to take risks

Caylus is a game that rewards risk-taking. Don't be afraid to take a chance on a risky action or to make a bold move that could pay off big in the end.

Keep an eye on your opponents

Pay attention to what your opponents are doing and try to anticipate their moves. If you can block their workers or steal their resources, you can gain a significant advantage.

Use the bailiff to your advantage

The bailiff can be a powerful tool if used correctly. Try to manipulate the bailiff to force your opponents to pay extra taxes or to block them from using certain actions.

Be flexible and adaptable

Caylus is a game that requires you to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Don't be afraid to change your strategy if things aren't going according to plan, and be willing to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

Mechanics

Worker Placement
Action Queue
Turn Order: Claim Action
Turn Order: Pass Order
Variable Set-up
Ownership

Categories

Economic
City Building
Medieval