Patchwork Board Game
$27.99
Patchwork at a Glance
| Game Type Abstract Strategy Puzzle Tile Placement | Play Time 15 - 30 mins | Skill/Complexity Rating (1.7 - 5) Non-Complex |
| Age 8+ | Publisher(s) Mayfair games, Lookout games and others | Published 2014 |
| Categories Abstract Strategy 2 Player Games | Players 2 | Patchwork Related How to Play Patchwork (rules & instructions) Description and Review |
| Our Rating 9.5/10 | Cost $27.99 approx |
Patchwork is a type of needlework that involves sewing pieces of fabric together to make a bigger design. Putting a new and interesting spin on the concept, this satisfying and engaging 2-person board game means buying patches, patterns and buttons from the bank to build the most attractive looking (and high-scoring) patchwork quilt you can.
Strategic yet fun, it’s perfect for both kids and adults alike.
About – Description
Patchwork is a novel and innovative board game launched in 2014 and is designed for just 2 players. The idea is that you eventually end up with more points than your opponent by making the most aesthetic quilt you can. Not only do you have to plan your next move carefully, you have to also allow for how your opponent might choose to move – and there’s a lot of luck involved too!
It’s a relatively quick game, only taking around 15 to 30 minutes to complete, and is great for a rainy afternoon at home.
Who’s it best suited For?
As Patchwork is played in a pair, it’s ideal for friends, family members and couples.
Rather Tetris-like in style, the game means working strategically to make a quilt on your 9×9 board, so it’s great for getting creative too!
Skill – Complexity
Patchwork has a fairly low complexity level so is suitable to for adults and children over 8. Although it’s a relatively simple concept, it does require some strategic thinking and quite a lot of counting.
Gameplay
To set up, lay out all of the patches at random in a circle and put a marker directly clockwise from the 2-1 patch. Both players take five buttons each – the points/currency in the game – then either of you can be the first one to play.
Basics of Playing
Once a player is able to move their time token to the square in the center of the time track, they then take one final button from the bank as income. When finally both players are in the center, the game finishes and scores can be counted up. Each player gets one point per button in his possession, but loses two points for every empty square on their game board. The player with the most points wins (it is possible to get a negative score!).
Taking it in turns, players either purchase a patch to put on their board (which costs coins), or they pass their go and gain coins. Players are aiming to navigate to the center first to gain extra coins but they will lose coins if they finish but still have blank spaces on their patchwork quilt. This adds an element of time management, as you need to balance speed with an attractive quilt, hence the strategic nature of the game.
Creating a beautiful quilt requires time and effort, but the patches available just do not want to fit together. This means you have to select your patches carefully and keep plenty of buttons so that you not only finish your quilt but you make it a better one than your opponent‘s.
See the full Instructions and Rules guide Here »
Versions – Editions
The second edition of Patchwork came out in 2016, with a third and latest edition in 2018. Other recent editions are in other languages, including Hebrew, Greek, Turkish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian and Czech. Additionally, a fan expansion called Special Buttons was released in 2016.
Likes & Dislikes
- Great theme and components.
- Perfect 2 player filler and gateway game.
- Nicely paced and fun.
- Interactive.
- Tactics required – although non-complex.
- Kind of flawless….it just may not be your cup of tea.
If you like Tetris you’ll love Patchwork! Simple and easy to learn, it’s great fun and very relaxing to play. However, it’s very tactical too and can be a little frustrating as it depends where the patchwork pieces fall on your turn. Nevertheless, it’s well worth a go if you fancy something a little different.
Final Thoughts
Patchwork offers great playability and is perfect for 2 players looking for something that’s both relaxing and challenging at the same time. With the satisfaction of a jigsaw puzzle (but much quicker to complete!) Patchwork is fun, quirky and well worth a go.
Awards and Honors
Patchwork has won the following awards:
2016 International Gamers Award – General Strategy: Two-players Nominee
2015 Spiel des Jahres Recommended
2015 Spiel der Spiele Special Prize Winner
2015 International Gamers Award – General Strategy: Two-players Nominee
2015 Hungarian Board Game Award Nominee
2014 Meeples’ Choice Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Abstract Board Game Winner
2014 Golden Geek Best Abstract Board Game Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best 2-Player Board Game Nominee
