Kingdomino

About this board game

Kingdomino is a captivating board game that invites you into a vibrant, dynamic world of strategy and competition. Designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Blue Orange Games, Kingdomino expertly combines elements of kingdom building and dominoes in an innovative, engaging way. This game is a delightful blend of light strategy and family fun, making it an excellent choice for game nights.

The theme of Kingdomino is set in the realm of medieval fantasy, where each player assumes the role of a lord seeking to expand their kingdom. The game immerses players in a world where territories are won not by sword, but by wit and strategy. The primary goal is to build a 5×5 grid kingdom that earns the most points through clever placement of terrain tiles.

The core mechanics of Kingdomino are incredibly intuitive, yet offer depth that rewards strategic planning. The game consists of tile drafting and tile placement mechanics, which are the heart of Kingdomino’s gameplay. The tiles, reminiscent of dominoes, each have two ends that can be matched with other tiles to form different terrain types in your kingdom. Each tile also has crowns, which are key to scoring points.

Here’s how the game works:

1. At the start of each round, players select a new domino to add to their kingdom. The order of selection is determined by the previous round, with the player who selected the ‘cheaper’ domino going first.
2. The selected dominoes are placed in their kingdoms. Each domino must either connect to another domino matching at least one of its terrain types, or connect to the starting castle.
3. The game continues in this way until all the dominoes have been drawn and placed. Players then score their kingdoms by multiplying the number of squares in each connected terrain by the number of crowns on those tiles.

What makes Kingdomino truly unique is its perfect balance between simplicity and strategy. While the game rules are simple enough for children to grasp quickly, the strategy involved in selecting and placing tiles provides a challenging and engaging experience for adults. This dynamic makes Kingdomino a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

Each game of Kingdomino unfolds in a new, unique way, ensuring that every playthrough is as exciting as the last. With its stunning artwork, strategic depth, and quick playtime, Kingdomino is a gem of a game that deserves a spot in every board game collection.