How To Play Patchwork – Rules and Instructions

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

Components – What’s in The Box?

1 central time board

2 quilt boards (1 per player)

1 special tile (7×7)

33 patches

5 special patches (leather)

1 neutral token

2 time tokens

50 button tiles

Setting Up

1. Both players have a quilt board, five buttons (this is currency) and a time token. You’ll need the rest of the buttons later so keep them at arms reach!
2. The central time board is placed in the middle of the playing table and then place both players time tokens on the starting space. Choose who goes first (or the player who last used a needle starts)!
3. Place the 33 normal patches around the board in a circle where everyone can view them in no particular order.
4. Find the smallest patch which measures 1×2 and then place the neutral token between this patch and the patch next to it (clockwise).
5. Place the special 7×7 tile in view of all players.
6. The 5 special patches should be placed on the marked places on the time board

Excellent job…you’re ready to play!

Gameplay

Unlike most games when taking turns this game does not alternate. Whichever players time token is further behind on the board takes his/her turn, which could require one player taking multiple turns before the other player is able to take to a turn.

If it so happens that both players time tokens are on the same space then whoever has the token on the top goes first.

These are the actions each player can take when it’s their turn (see A & B).

A – Move and receive Buttons

Players move forward with their time tokens on the board where it will occupy the space in front of the opponents time token. Each space a player moves provides them with one button (the more the better).

 

B – Take and place a Patch

This action involves taking 5 steps, in this order.

1. Choose a patch that’s no more than 3 patches in front of the neutral token.

2. Move the neutral token to the position of the patch you are choosing.

3. Pay (in buttons) the required amount indicated on the patch label.

4. You can now place the patch anywhere on your quilt board as long as it does not overlap another. Try out the best position first if you like!

5. You may now move your time token forward on the time board based on the amount shown on the label of the patch you have just placed on the quilt board. If you land on your opponents time token then just place it on the top (as you’re on top you will go next again).

The Time Board

You’ll notice various spaces are marked on the time board which requires the player that passes the space to respond in these ways:

Special Patch:
You use the special patch to place on your quilt board and these patches are the only way to fill in the empty spaces on the quilt board (remember empty spaces loses vital winning points).

Button Income:
You pick up buttons for income based on the amount shown on the patches on your quilt board.

The Special Tile

A player gains an extra 7 points if they can fill a 7×7 square on their quilt board.

Game End & Winner

Patchwork ends when both time tokens have been around the time board (to the end space). A token may have more spaces to move at the end, however, it finishes at the last space and that player only receives buttons for those spaces moved (you may have to forfeit some points).

When you both finish it’s time to tally up points using the buttons and the special tile (if a player has completed the special tile). Deduct any spaces left on your quilt board (1 space = 2 points), and that decides your winner.

If both players have the same amount of points then the first player that reached the final space on the time board wins!