How to win Castles of Burgundy | Strategy Tips for the World Series Champion WSBG

Summary

In this video, Chris George from World Series of Board Gaming offers five winning tips for mastering *Castles of Burgundy*. These strategies emphasize tactical flexibility, such as saving workers for crucial moments, managing silverlings wisely, and adjusting your plans based on dice rolls and opponents' actions. He stresses the importance of prioritizing board flexibility, knowing when to pivot strategies, and not expecting to complete the entire main board. Adaptability is key—success depends on making the right decisions at the right time. Whether you're new or experienced, these tips will help you outplay your opponents and elevate your game.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prioritize worker management early in the game to avoid unnecessary spending and save them for crucial moments.
• 😀 Keep an eye on your tile placement and aim for flexibility to avoid restricting your dice rolls later in the game.
• 😀 Silverlings should be used strategically, especially in the late game. Don’t spend them too early without a solid plan.
• 😀 Be adaptable and pivot your strategy based on the dice rolls and the opportunities that arise throughout the game.
• 😀 Pay attention to your opponents' strategies, especially in smaller games, as blocking them can be key to winning.
• 😀 Be proactive in capitalizing on tile combos as they arise rather than forcing a rigid plan from the beginning.
• 😀 In *Castles of Burgundy*, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy—flexibility and adaptability are crucial.
• 😀 Always think ahead and consider how your decisions will affect the broader game, particularly when it comes to competing for specific resources.
• 😀 Avoid tunnel vision: if others are focusing on one area (e.g., boats), don’t hesitate to explore alternative routes like animals.
• 😀 *Castles of Burgundy* is a tactical, zero-sum game—player interaction plays a larger role compared to other Eurogames, so pay attention to the competition.
• 😀 Adapt your strategy based on the game’s progress, as sometimes you’ll need to change course if new opportunities arise.

Q & A

What is the importance of dice rolls in *Castles of Burgundy*?

Dice rolls in *Castles of Burgundy* are crucial as they determine what actions are available each turn. The outcome of the dice rolls can influence the best moves, as players must adapt their strategy to the dice available to them. Players should plan their actions based on these rolls while remaining flexible to adjust their tactics.

How does player interaction affect gameplay in *Castles of Burgundy*?

Player interaction is essential, especially in multiplayer games. Watching what your opponents are doing can give you an advantage. For instance, you can beat them to completing a color or securing valuable goods. The game is competitive, and interactions like blocking others' plans or picking up opportunities before they do can turn the tide in your favor.

What is meant by 'pivoting' your strategy in *Castles of Burgundy*?

'Pivoting' refers to adjusting your strategy when you notice that the current plan isn't as effective as you hoped, or when your opponents are competing heavily in one area. For example, if everyone is focusing on boats, you might switch gears and focus on animals instead, seizing the opportunity while others overlook it.

Why is adaptability important in *Castles of Burgundy*?

Adaptability is key because *Castles of Burgundy* is a tactical game that requires reacting to changing circumstances, such as dice rolls and other players' strategies. A good player needs to adjust on the fly and capitalize on emerging opportunities rather than sticking rigidly to a single plan.

What is the primary challenge for players in *Castles of Burgundy* according to the video?

The primary challenge is balancing tactical decisions and strategic planning while reacting to the dice rolls and player actions. Since the game doesn’t have a dominant strategy, success hinges on a player’s ability to adapt and make the most out of the available resources at each turn.

How can blocking your opponents in *Castles of Burgundy* be beneficial?

Blocking your opponents can prevent them from achieving critical goals, such as finishing a color or securing goods that would benefit them. By denying them these opportunities, you can gain an advantage by either completing your own objectives faster or exploiting their weaknesses.

What role do the animals play in *Castles of Burgundy*, and why might they be important?

Animals provide valuable resources and bonuses, but they can often be overlooked in favor of more immediate goals, like boats. Securing cheap animal tiles, especially when others are ignoring them, can be a smart way to gain an advantage, as they can help diversify your strategy and offer unexpected benefits.

How does the speaker suggest players can become better at *Castles of Burgundy*?

The speaker suggests that players become better by being adaptable, paying attention to both their dice rolls and what their opponents are doing. Success in *Castles of Burgundy* comes from understanding when to pivot your strategy, capitalize on opportunities, and interact strategically with other players.

What does the speaker mean when they say there is 'no dominant strategy' in *Castles of Burgundy*?

By 'no dominant strategy', the speaker means that the game does not have a single, fail-proof approach that guarantees victory. Instead, the best players are those who are flexible, can adjust their tactics to the evolving state of the game, and capitalize on the changing dynamics.

What is the role of 'timing' in *Castles of Burgundy*?

Timing is critical in *Castles of Burgundy* as the game evolves. Knowing when to shift focus, such as moving from competing in one area to focusing on another, can lead to significant advantages. For example, seizing a weak point like animals while others focus on boats can give you an unexpected edge.