5211 Azul Special Edition

When the game is in the name, it is called 5211: five cards at hand; play two, play one, play one, score, and repeat. Simple mechanics will immerse you into a fast-paced game, especially rebranded with exquisite and unique artwork from Azul. 

5211 Azul Especial Edition is a two to five players game of cards representing the Portuguese wall tiles called "Azulejos". The player who embellishes their palace walls with the most valuable tiles gains the Portuguese King's attention (and points). However, the King rejects greedy players when they use the same tiles excessively. Some cards are unique to the King because they carry the symbol of "The Rooster of Barcelos", a Portuguese legend associated with "fairness, fate and wonders". Compete to build the most beautiful wall of "Azulejos" and win the King's prestige and reputation.

Gameplay Overview

During game setup, shuffle a hundred cards, then remove a specific number of cards according to the number of players (please refer to the rulebook). Each player draws five cards from the pile and keeps them hidden from other players. During gameplay, players should draw the same number of cards they play so that their hand is always composed of five cards.

Cards have five different colours, each with an Azul-themed background; card points range from one to six; A Rooster icon illustrates cards worth one point.

Each round consists of players playing cards facing down, revealing cards simultaneously, and drawing cards to fill their hands with five cards. During the first turn, players play two cards as described. During the second and third turns, players play one card. Once everyone has played four cards, it is time to evaluate, score and finish the round.

Players evaluate the scoring cards at each round, place them in a pile of scored cards, and discard all other cards. Evaluate the following score conditions at the end of each round.

Count the number of Rooster cards in play. If it is precisely the number of players plus two (four Rooster cards in a game of two players, for example), then score only the Rooster cards. Each player places their Rooster cards on their pile of scored cards and discards all other cards.

If the Rooster cards number does not match the given requirement, evaluate the colour majority: for each colour, count the number of cards played; then the following two situations can happen: 

• If one colour has the majority of cards and the total number of cards does not reach or exceed the limit given by the number of players plus three (the limit is five in a game of two players, for example), the cards of such colour score; each player places their cards of the winning colour on their pile of scored cards; otherwise, if the number of cards reach the limit or exceed it, discard the colour cards and evaluate the colour majority with the remaining cards;

• If two or more colours end up in a tie for the majority, discard cards of such colours and evaluate the colour majority with the remaining cards;

During score evaluation, players may discard all cards if score conditions are not met and proceed with the following round.

The game ends once the card deck is empty and players have played the last round. In the end, each player will remain with one card at hand.

Once the game ends, players count the points of the cards in their score piles. The player with the most points wins. In case of a tie, the player with the most cards in their score pile wins. If there is still a tie, players share the victory.

Alternatively, players can play longer games and compete to score a given number of points (fifty or a hundred points, for example). In this case, all discarded cards are shuffled and placed facing down as the new cards deck. The game continues until at least one player scores more than the given number of points when the card deck gets empty and the final round gets played.

Game Experience

5211 Azul Especial Edition is a themed version of 5211 with no variation in its rules. Don't expect to be playing a card version of Azul because it doesn't resemble Azul's gameplay in any way; instead, it plays exactly like the original 5211, though with the twist of being re-designed using the Azul theme.

The publisher of 5211 is Next Move Games, known for making games named with four letters only, such as Azul, Reef, Beez and now 5211. Next Move Games describes itself by elegance in game design: high-quality components with great appeal to tactile and visual senses. It produces abstract games with simple mechanics that conceal a solid strategic nature. 5211 is a perfect match for such a description, even though it does not stand out as its siblings Azul and Reef.

Game components are lovely, exceptional quality, and stunning artwork borrowed from the board game Azul. Cards are big and sturdy; the small box is easy to carry and holds cards perfectly in place. A short five pages rulebook thoroughly describes game rules alongside clear drawings and tables.

Game mechanics are super simple and easy to learn in a few rounds. However, it takes several games to refine your skills, play strategically, and best all other players. The more you play, the more you learn; that is a continuous process that never seems to end. It may remind you of Texas Hold'em Poker; as cards get revealed, different patterns emerge; players can reverse the expected outcome of a game at the last hand played. It also resembles "A Love Letter" games, which have simple rules, and are quick to learn and play, with a deep strategy that takes a long time to master.

Replayability comes mainly from the game's tactical learning curve. However, the game may not appeal to everyone's liking, especially if one finds it hard to understand the game's strategic elements. What can be a rewarding experience for some might be a repetitive meaningless experience for others. If you find yourself lost in the game, give it a second chance because sooner or later, it may suddenly click, and you may find that 5211 is incredible fun.

Player interaction is critical for victory or defeat. 5211 is a game of bluffing, deduction, pushing your luck, and quick decision-making. Read your opponent's hands and choose your cards wisely to turn the odds in your favour. As the game advances, the tension builds up. In every round, everything is up to change until the last turn, and a player can only claim victory once the game ends.

Final Thoughts

Don't get deceived by 5211 quick-paced, easy-to-play qualities. Be ready for a challenge, and don't be a fool. This solid tactical game will puzzle you, catch your breath, and surprise you like no other. 

Score: 4 out of 5 - This is an excellent game that fits the Next Move Games publisher well: elegance in game design: high-quality components; it’s a LITE abstract game with DEEP strategy. It does not stand out as musch as its siblings Azul and Reef, but I loved this game nonetheless.

Hits

• Simple but deep core mechanics.

• Easy to learn, takes a long time to master.

• Amazing Azul-themed artwork.

Misses

• 5211 is an abstract game that may not appeal to everyone's taste.

• This game does not play like Azul; it just borrows its graphical design.

• You may feel lost and confused if you struggle to grasp the game's strategy.