Tal der Könige

About this board game

Tal der Könige is a 60-minute board game for 2–4 players, released in 1992, in which players build pyramids from large blocks in different colors.

The aim is to create pyramids that earn points. A pyramid scores more when it uses only a few colors, but concentrating on fewer colors makes it harder to consistently outbid the other players for the blocks you need.

• Build pyramids from blocks in different colors.
• Compete with other players to obtain the necessary blocks.
• Score more points by constructing pyramids with fewer colors.
• Help determine the end of the game through the blocks left unused.

Every block matters because the pieces players do not use are placed into the Pharaoh’s Pyramid in the center. The game ends when this central pyramid is completed, giving the entire building process a clear shared finish line.

The presentation is a notable part of Tal der Könige. Its triangular box and luxurious, large blocks make it a game designed to be beautiful as well as functional. The striking components support the central focus on constructing pyramids while players compete for the best materials.

With its balance between block competition and pyramid scoring, the game asks players to weigh an attractive scoring opportunity against the difficulty of acquiring a consistent selection of colors. Tal der Könige was also a finalist in the 1990 Hippodice Spieleautorenwettbewerb.