West of Africa

About this board game

West of Africa is a board game for 2–5 players, with an approximate playing time of 90 minutes. Set in the Canary Islands during the late Middle Ages, it asks players to cultivate goods, sell them profitably, and build settlements.

The Canary Islands had faded from the European point of view by this period. With neither gold nor silver, and no major role in the north-south trade that crossed the Sahara, the archipelago was largely overlooked until the Genoese merchant and seafarer Lancelotto Malocello effectively “rediscovered” it in 1312.

During the 15th century, the islands were conquered by Spain. Spanish masters developed agriculture there, cultivating sugar cane, wine, and grain—products that quickly gave the Canary Islands greater economic value and importance.

In the game, every player has a personal deck of cards. Each turn, players select cards from their decks to conduct actions, making their choices while keeping the plans and actions of the other players in mind.

• Cultivate goods to develop the islands’ agricultural potential.
• Sell goods profitably as you pursue economic success.
• Build settlements and expand your presence.
• Select cards from your own deck while watching the choices of your opponents.

With its combination of agriculture, trade, settlement building, and careful card selection, West of Africa presents a game centered on making effective decisions in a changing shared environment. Plan your actions thoughtfully, and keep the other players’ moves in view as the Canary Islands gain importance.