Alhambra: Roll & Write

About this board game

Alhambra: Roll & Write is a dice-based roll-and-write game for 1–5 players, with games taking about 45 minutes. Players select sets of blue and yellow dice to cross off buildings and try to build the most of each type.

At the start, players roll a blue and a yellow die three times. Each result identifies a building at the intersection of the two numbers, which is then crossed out. Every building built is also recorded on a separate scoring sheet, allowing all players to see how many of each building type have been completed.

After this opening process, each player rolls the dice once more and places the blue and yellow dice on the appropriate numbers on their player sheet. The start player then rolls another set of dice and chooses between two options:

• Cross out one building that has not already been built and record it on the scoring sheet.
• Take one coin for each already-crossed-out intersection, up to four coins.

The two dice that were not used pass to the next player with their numbers unchanged. The two used dice are re-rolled and placed back on the player sheet with their new values, creating fresh choices for the next turn.

Coins provide additional control. One coin can be spent to re-roll dice, while three coins can mark out both buildings. This gives players a way to adjust their options or make a larger move when the timing is right.

At the end of Alhambra: Roll & Write, points are awarded for first, second, and third place in each building type. Completed rows and columns also provide bonus points, rewarding players who balance their building choices across the sheet.