Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig

Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig

Negotiation
Players
2-7
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
6 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
60 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.2 / 5
Year
2018

About the game

Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig has players simultaneously drafting and placing room tiles to build two different castles at once - one shared with the player on their left, another with the player on their right. Each room type scores in its own way, from matching statues to connected hallways, rewarding players who can balance competing priorities across both projects. The drafting puzzle scales smoothly from 2 to 7 players, with strong variety from randomized bonus cards. It's an elegant, thinky tile-laying game with real tension built into its two-castle structure.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editors admire how the "build with both neighbors at once" structure forces constant give-and-take, making every drafting choice a small negotiation. The variety of room-scoring categories keeps the puzzle fresh across plays. It's a cerebral game but plays briskly thanks to simultaneous tile placement. A great pick for groups who enjoy competitive-cooperative drafting tension.

What we like

  • The dual-castle structure creates unique tension between two shared projects.
  • Wide range of scoring categories rewards varied strategies.
  • Simultaneous tile placement keeps downtime low even at high player counts.
  • Scales well from 2 up to 7 players.

Keep in mind

  • Scoring categories can feel complex for newcomers at first.
  • Some randomness in tile draws affects available options.
  • End-game scoring can take a while to tally.

Who it's for

Ages 10+, ideal for tile-drafting and puzzle fans who enjoy competitive-cooperative tension, in groups of 2-7.

Mechanics

Highest-Lowest ScoringNeighbor ScopeDraftingSet CollectionSimultaneous Action SelectionTeam-Based GameTile PlacementVariable Set-up

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