Azul Rules

How to Play Azul

Azul is a very underated game to play, especially for a friendly game night. It’s a game of strategy, efficiency, and aesthetics - easy to learn, but with plenty of depth for clever plays.

Here is how you master the game rules of Azul:

Preparations

• Players: 2–4 players
• Game Components:
  • 100 colored tiles
  • 4 player boards
  • 9 factory displays (used in 3–4 player games)
  • 1 central disc (factory offer area)
  • 1 score tracker
  • 1 first player token
  • 1 linen bag for drawing tiles

Setup

1. Each player takes a player board and places a score marker at 0.
2. Place the factory displays in the center:
   • 2 players → 5 factories
   • 3 players → 7 factories
   • 4 players → 9 factories
3. Draw 4 random tiles per factory and place them on the displays.
4. Place the first player token in the center.

Gameplay Overview

Azul is played over multiple rounds, each consisting of two phases:

Phase 1: Tile Drafting

Players take turns selecting tiles:

1. Choose one factory display or the center area.
2. Take all tiles of one color from the chosen area.
3. Move any leftover tiles from that factory to the center pile.
4. The first player to take tiles from the center also takes the first player token (becomes first next round but loses 1 point).
5. Place selected tiles on your pattern lines (rows on the left of your board):
   • Each row accepts only one color per round.
   • Rows must be filled completely before placing on the wall.
   • Extra tiles that don’t fit go to the floor line (negative points).

Phase 2: Wall-Tiling & Scoring

After all tiles are drafted:

1. For each completed pattern line, move one tile to the corresponding spot on your wall.
2. Score immediately based on placement:
   • 1 point for placing a tile alone.
   • Add +1 point per adjacent tile in the same row and column.
3. Return leftover tiles from completed rows to the box.
4. Tiles in incomplete rows remain for the next round.

End of Game & Winning

The game ends after the round in which at least one player completes a full horizontal row on their wall.

Final Scoring Bonuses:

The player with the highest total score wins.

Strategies and Tips

Azul may look relaxing, but every draft matters. Success requires foresight, efficiency, and sometimes denying your opponents.

Basic Strategies

• Fill lower rows first → They require fewer tiles and score faster.
• Track opponents’ needs → Deny tiles they clearly want.
• Watch the center pile → Taking tiles early can be powerful, but balance it with the -1 penalty.

Advanced Strategies

• Plan for color bonuses → Securing full sets can swing the game.
• Stay flexible → Avoid committing to specific colors too early.
• Manipulate the center → Force unwanted tiles into opponents’ laps.

Overview of the Game Rules

Azul Versions & Spin-offs

Try on of these versions of Azul rules to mix it up a bit:

Azul Mini

• Travel-sized edition with a compact board and magnetic tiles.
• Ideal for on-the-go gaming.

Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra

• A standalone sequel featuring window panels instead of walls.
• Different scoring mechanics, more tactical decisions.

Azul: Summer Pavilion

• Adds wild tiles, multi-stage rounds, and deeper strategic play.

Azul Duel (Variant)

• A rumored or special edition designed for head-to-head 2-player games.