Puerto Rico - Before you buy...

Puerto Rico - Before you buy...: "Puerto Rico - Before You Buy

This is written to anyone exploring the idea of purchasing Puerto Rico. It is sort of a 'Buyers Guide', if you will. I hope it will give you an overview - not of the game play itself, but of what you may be in for; what you will experience if and when the box lid is lifted for the first time. There have been many excellent reviews and comments made on this game. Puerto Rico has been analyzed and scrutinized by statisticians and mathematicians alike. Those who have played thousands of times have written helpful guides on fundamental strategies for playing effectively. Such analysis has only demonstrated the depth of this game. But all this talk of which to choose: 'Builder' or 'Settler'...it can leave someone considering this game dizzy. And perhaps even wondering, 'Is this game for me?'.

You should know that my comments here reflect my own personal experience (as well as those of my gaming group). Your experience may not be precisely the same as mine...but I suspect it will be pretty close. Second, this list is not exhaustive. So much can be said about this game...which is why we keep talking. Third, my comments assume that you have a basic understanding of the game (from other reviews) regarding choosing Roles (Settler, Builder, Mayor, Craftsman, Captain, Trader and Prospector) and the game premise (establishing business on the island of Puerto Rico). I hope you find this helpful....

It is not a 'light game
First off, if you are looking for a game that takes little thought or effort, you may not want to buy Puerto Rico. It is not lighthearted. While it is not a difficult game to play, playing it well is challenging. Puerto Rico will make you think and get your mind humming. To play effectively you have to stay alert and pay attention throughout the game. If you are looking for 'light', try Ticket to Ride or Bohnanza...which are great games and can be fun, but not as mentally stimulating. Although the game is straightforward enough that children can learn it, it is not, in my opinion, a child's game. (It is listed at ages 12+.)

It takes time to set up
There is a fairly long set up time for this game. Some have suggested shortcuts to getting bits counted quicker and having the game ready to go. This helps to a degree. But for us there are still times when we find ourselves choosing a game with an easier setup simply because of time constraints. If you don't like setting games up, Puerto Rico may frustrate you. (Having said that, playing Puerto Rico is always worth the effort.)

There is a learning curve
The rules are not difficult to understand. (Although, there are several rules that are commonly misplayed.) The rule book is very well written. But it does take time to read and digest. Even after reading the rules, it took us a few games to begin to see how things flowed. With many (lighter) games, just reading the rule book is enough to give you a sense of how things would be played out. Sometimes the rules alone are enough to spark your imagination into seeing strategies and the feel of the game play, before you play it. This was not the case with Puerto Rico. Strategy was not self-evident. It was learned by trial and error...which is part of the true joy of the game. The game demands to be played (several times) before it can be fully appreciated. Some players may not enjoy the game at first, but after several plays it can became a favourite.

Learn to play as a group.
It can be difficult to introduce Puerto Rico to new players. Experience with this game is an advantage. If you have played ten games, for example, and are playing with others who are brand new, you will almost certainly win. They can no doubt learn to play, but you might as well let them know they will lose their first few games. That is not a statement made out of arrogance. It is the nature of the game. If you want to really enjoy a game session, it is best played with others of equal experience. It is not the kind of game you can pull out on a whim, run through the rules and have a few laughs with friends.

There is little downtime.
Every time a role is chosen each player has something to do (except when Prospector is picked). This keeps each player active and generally does not leave room for thumb twiddling. The game can move slowly if each player takes their sweet time picking a role or choosing which building to buy. But overall, it moves well and games can generally be played in 90 to 120 minutes.


It works well with different numbers of players.
Every level of play has a different feel to it. Playing with three is so different that playing with five...which is entirely different again from playing with four. No matter the number of players, it plays superbly. Part of the charm of the game is learning which way to play with each number of players. What brought you success with three players is not going to work with four or five.


It also works with two
Although it is not stated on the box, Puerto Rico can be played well with two players. The game creator has written "official" two player rules. While some do not like the game play with two players (it is slightly different), it does work. Personally, it is one of my favourite ways to play (perhaps because it reduces my odds to a 50-50 chance of winning :)). It is usually quick, tense and satisfying. Others prefer to play a 'two player' with four boards, with each player controlling two. Not a personal preference, but it works as well. (Here is a web site with the rules: http://www.morethangames.com/article.php?story=20030616104834587 )


There are many roads to victory
If you like a game that offers several options for winning, Puerto Rico may be suited to you. New players (my gaming group included) often initially believe that there are certain strategies that are superior to others and will secure a win. Our first few games, the winner was the one who had several Corn plantations and a Wharf. We began to think that there was no beating "Corn Wharfing"...until someone unraveled things by purchasing a Factory and got it running full tilt. Then, for several games the winner was the one who had a Factory. We began to think that was the secret to victory. But eventually, that strategy crumbled. This went on for some time until we began to see a 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' effect. There is not one straight path to victory. While each strategy has its merits, there is always another stronger one that can out do it. The joy of Puerto Rico has been discovering which combination of moves is best suited to combat another player's effort. There is a measure of 'thinking on your feet' as you change plans to stay ahead of the others. If you like that sort of game play you must try this game.



As a side note: There are online players guides posted that will help increase your playing skill. While they are helpful I am of the opinion that these are not necessary - at least initially. Let the game reveal itself to you and learn from your mistakes. This is where we have derived the most fun from Puerto Rico. Do not approach a session with the mystery of good game play solved. Once you find your game becoming routine, read a players guide to discover new avenues to explore...or add the expansion for variety. (Just my opinion.)


But it is fun?
Absolutely! The 'cause and effect' style game mechanic of choosing roles to determine how each player will progress is truly fascinating. After nearly every one of our games a discussion breaks out. We find ourselves pondering each turn and discussing why certain plans did or did not bring victory. Often we can spot a players crucial mistake; hind sight is always 20/20! The game can pivot on one single decision. It makes you want to play it again, and again...and just one more time. It really is a great game. Never boring; smart and clever with almost no luck. Every game is different, and, simply put, the player who makes the best choices wins.

Overall, if you are tired of Settlers and want to step up to a more weighty game, you have to try Puerto Rico. If you are looking for a gamers game, look no further. But you should be ready to give the game the time and play necessary to see it for all its' worth. A light hearted approach that is not interested in taking the game seriously will leave you wondering what all the fuss is about. Find a group you can learn with and explore the joy of this masterpiece.