Ora et Labora

2011

Experience Ora et Labora, where you run a medieval monastery, gathering resources, constructing buildings, and creating prestigious items for victory points.

180
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

13+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Ora et Labora is a highly engaging and strategic board game designed by Uwe Rosenberg, the mastermind behind other popular games like Agricola and Le Havre. This game is set in the medieval times, where you play as the head of a monastery, with the objective to expand your lands and increase your wealth.

The game’s title – Ora et Labora, which translates to ‘Pray and Work’ encapsulates the core theme of the game. As a monastic leader, you must balance your spiritual duties with the physical work of managing and growing your land. The game’s unique setting, set against a backdrop of monastic life during medieval times, sets it apart from other board games.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Ora et Labora is a well-known complex board game that focuses on resource management and strategic planning. Here is a list of components included in the game and a brief explanation of their purpose and interaction within the game.

1. Game Boards

There are three game boards in Ora et Labora: the main game board, the production wheel, and the individual player board. The main game board is a shared space where building cards are displayed and resources are collected. The production wheel is a unique mechanism used to track and adjust the availability of resources throughout the game. Lastly, the individual player board is where each player constructs buildings, produces resources, and manages their own civilization.

2. Building Cards

Building cards represent different types of structures that players can construct on their individual player boards. Each building card provides various benefits or capabilities, such as producing resources, providing victory points, or offering special abilities. The interaction of building cards is central to the strategic planning aspect of the game.

3. Resource Tokens

Resource tokens represent the different materials players can collect and use in the game, including wood, clay, stone, grain, and peat. Players collect resources primarily by constructing and operating buildings on their player boards. The supply and demand of resources are tracked using the production wheel.

4. Monk Tokens

Monk tokens act as flexible workers that can be used as any type of worker in the game. They are particularly valuable because of their versatility.

5. Settlement Tiles

Settlement tiles represent larger structures, such as towns and monasteries, that players can build for significant victory points. However, these constructions require a significant amount of resources and careful planning.

6. Wooden Pieces

The game includes various wooden pieces that represent different types of workers, such as farmers, clerics, and craftsmen. These workers are used to operate buildings and perform various actions on the player boards.

7. Player Markers

Player markers are used to keep track of each player’s score on the scoring track located on the main game board.

8. Rulebook

The rulebook provides a comprehensive guide on how to play the game, including the setup, gameplay rules, scoring system, and endgame conditions.

Understanding how each component interacts with each other and the game as a whole is crucial to mastering Ora et Labora and developing effective strategies for victory.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

‘Ora et Labora’ is a complex and engaging board game. It’s important to understand the step-by-step setup to ensure a smooth and exciting gaming experience. Here are the detailed instructions for setting up the game:

Step 1: Select the Game Board

Depending on the number of players, select the appropriate side of the game board. One side is marked for 2 and 3 players, while the other is for 4 players. Place the game board in the center of the table where all players can easily reach it.

Step 2: Prepare the Building Stacks

Sort the buildings by color and type, then stack them in descending order of building number. Place these stacks in the spaces allocated on the game board.

Step 3: Set Up the Goods Track

Place the goods tiles on the corresponding spaces marked on the goods track of the game board. Each space should contain one of each type of goods tile.

Step 4: Prepare the Resource Tokens

Sort the resource tokens by type and place them in a common pool next to the game board. These resources include clay, wood, stone, grain, sheep, and peat.

Step 5: Distribute Starting Resources

Each player receives a settlement board, a prior meeple, and a set of initial resources. The initial resources are: 3 wood, 2 clay, 1 grain, and 2 coins.

Step 6: Establish Player Order

Determine the starting player randomly. The starting player takes the round summary card and the marker for the turn order track. The order of play continues clockwise from the starting player.

Step 7: Prepare the Round Cards

Shuffle the round cards and place them in a draw pile next to the game board. Draw the top card and place it next to the draw pile, revealing the first round’s actions.

Step 8: Random Elements

There are no inherent random elements in ‘Ora et Labora’, as the game is built around strategic planning and resource management. The only random element is the initial determination of the starting player.

With these steps, you are now ready to start playing ‘Ora et Labora’. Enjoy the game!

Game flow Round and round we go

Ora et Labora is a complex board game that involves resource management and civilization building. The game is played over several rounds, each consisting of different phases. During these phases, players perform a variety of actions to gather resources, build structures, and advance their civilization.

The game begins with an Initial Setup phase, where players receive their initial resources and land plots. This is also when the main game board is set up with available buildings and resources.

Initial Setup Phase: In this phase, players set up their land plots and resource stocks. The main game board is also set up with the available buildings and resources.

After the setup, the game proceeds in rounds. Each round consists of several phases:

Resource Production Phase: At the start of each round, the resource wheel is advanced, producing new resources for each player. The number and type of resources depend on the current position of the resource wheel and the buildings each player has.
Work Phase: During the work phase, players take turns placing their workers on various action spots on the main game board. Actions can include gathering resources, constructing buildings, or claiming land. Each player can perform one action per turn, and the phase continues until all players have placed all their workers.
Building Phase: In the building phase, players can construct buildings on their land plots, provided they have the necessary resources. Buildings provide various benefits, such as increased resource production, additional worker spots, or victory points.
Scoring Phase: At the end of certain rounds (as indicated on the game board), there is a scoring phase. Players earn victory points based on the buildings they have constructed, the land they have claimed, and certain other elements as specified by the game.

The game ends after a set number of rounds, and the player with the most victory points is declared the winner.

Ora et Labora is a game of strategic planning and resource management. Players must carefully manage their resources, plan their actions, and develop their land in order to build a thriving civilization and score the most victory points.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In the board game ‘Ora et Labora’, a turn consists of several possible actions and strategic choices. Each player’s turn is an opportunity to develop their territory and acquire resources. The turn order and actions are as follows:

1. Resource and Time Track

The player must first advance the marker on the resource and time track. This determines the amount of resources available to all players, and also marks the progression of the game.

2. Resource Collection

Next, the player collects the resources indicated by the markers on the resource and time track. These resources include clay, wood, stone, grain, and peat.

3. Building or Upgrading

After collecting resources, the player has the option to either build a new building or upgrade an existing one. Each building provides different benefits and opportunities for advancement.

4. Use of Building

The player can use a building in their territory for its specific function. This could mean converting resources into more advanced products, or gaining additional resources or points.

5. Settlement

If a player has the necessary requirements, they can establish a settlement. Settlements provide points and can trigger the end of the game.

Strategically, each player must decide how to best use their resources and buildings. The choice of when to build, upgrade, or use buildings can greatly affect a player’s score and standing in the game. Additionally, the timing of establishing settlements is crucial, as it can accelerate the end of the game.

6. End of Turn

Once a player has completed their actions, their turn ends. The next player then proceeds with their turn following the same steps.

The game continues in this way until the end game condition is met – usually when a certain number of settlements have been established or the resource and time track has been fully traversed.

In ‘Ora et Labora’, strategic decision-making and efficient use of resources are key to victory. Players must balance short-term gains with long-term planning in order to come out on top.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘Ora et Labora’ concludes after a predetermined number of rounds, which varies depending on the number of players. For a two-player game, there are 18 rounds, while a three or four-player game has 20 and 22 rounds respectively.

At the end of the last round, all players have one final turn to ‘settle’ their land, which means they can build any remaining buildings or settlements they have the resources for. It’s important to note that during this final turn, players are not allowed to use the ‘work’ action.

Victory Conditions

The player with the most victory points (VPs) at the end of the game is declared the winner. VPs are earned in several ways:

Buildings: Each building a player constructs adds to their total VPs. The VPs earned from each building is indicated on the building’s card.
Settlements: Building a settlement also earns VPs, with the amount being determined by the size and type of the settlement.
Monastery Cards: Monastery cards can earn a player additional VPs, with the value again being indicated on the card.
Remaining Resources: Any remaining resources a player has at the end of the game are converted into VPs at a rate of 1 VP per every 5 resources.

It’s important for players to plan their actions strategically throughout the game to accumulate as many VPs as possible. This might involve striking a balance between building a variety of buildings for immediate VPs, and saving resources to build larger settlements for potentially more VPs later in the game.

Actions Before Final Scoring

Before the final scoring, players need to make sure they have completed all possible actions they wish to take. This includes building any final buildings or settlements, and using any remaining actions on their player board. After this, all remaining resources are converted into VPs.

Once all players have taken their final actions and all VPs have been calculated, the player with the highest total of VPs is declared the winner of ‘Ora et Labora’.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Ora et Labora is a complex board game with a plethora of rules and exceptions. Understanding these can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some of the special rules, rare occurrences, and rule clarifications you should be aware of:

1. Forest Spaces:

When clearing forest spaces, you receive the goods depicted on the space. However, it’s important to note that if a forest space is occupied by a building, you do not receive the goods when the building is removed.

2. Marsh Spaces:

Marsh spaces can be converted into peat bogs by using a Cutter. Unlike the forest spaces, if a marsh space is occupied by a building, you receive the goods when the building is removed.

3. Building Rules:

Buildings, once placed, cannot be moved again. They can however be replaced by another building. When replacing, the new building must cover the exact same spaces as the one it is replacing. The replaced building is then returned to the supply, and can be used again later.

4. Special Buildings:

Convent: The Convent allows you to use the book action for free, without having to place a monk or prior, but only once per turn.
Castle: When you build a castle, you immediately receive 3 different goods of your choice.

5. Settlements:

Settlements are a group of buildings that are connected by roads. There are rules defining what constitutes a settlement. Two buildings are considered to be in the same settlement if they are connected by a continuous path of road spaces, starting at one building and ending at the other.

6. End of the Game:

The game ends after the 15th round, and is followed by a final scoring. The player with the most victory points wins. In case of a tie, the player with the most leftover goods wins. If there is still a tie, the player who was later in the turn order wins.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Ora et Labora is a highly strategic board game that requires careful resource management and planning. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize your gameplay:

Advanced Strategies:

Plan Ahead: Always have a clear plan for the next few turns. Being reactive instead of proactive can often lead to inefficiency and wasted resources.
Utilize the Market: The market can offer a lot of valuable opportunities. Use it judiciously to get the resources you need or to offload excess resources for profit.
Balance Resource Types: It’s crucial to maintain a good balance between different types of resources. Don’t overfocus on one type of resource to the detriment of others.

Beginner Tips:

Understand the Rules: Before starting the game, make sure you understand the rules thoroughly. This will help you make more informed decisions during gameplay.
Start Slow: Don’t rush to expand too quickly. It’s important to build a strong base before branching out.
Practice: Like any other game, practice is key. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the game mechanics and strategies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring the Long Term: It can be tempting to make decisions that offer immediate benefits, but it’s important to keep your long-term goals in mind.
Overcommitting Resources: Be careful not to overcommit your resources to a single project. Diversification is important in Ora et Labora.
Underestimating Opponents: Never underestimate your opponents. Always be prepared for their moves and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Effective Resource Management: Learn to manage your resources effectively. This will help you avoid shortages and keep your production lines running smoothly.
Strategic Building Placement: The placement of your buildings can have a big impact on your game. Place them strategically to maximize their benefits.
Adaptability: Be flexible and ready to adapt your strategy as the game progresses. The ability to change plans based on new information is a key to success in Ora et Labora.