Board Game Spotlight: Azul
Hey adventurers! Welcome to this week’s Board Game Spotlight, where we shine a light on the coolest games in the Just Support board game library. Today’s star? Azul! This masterpiece of a game brings art and strategy together in a way that’ll make your brain tingle with joy. Think you have what it takes to design a mosaic fit for royalty? Grab your friends, your competitive streak, and let’s dive in!
About the Game
Name: Azul
Publisher: Plan B Games
Number of Players: 2-4 players
Playing Time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Age Range: 8+
Learn to PlayÂ
What’s It About?
Imagine this: You’re a master tile artist, creating stunning mosaics for a royal palace. Sounds easy, right? Well, not so fast! In Azul, you’ll draft colourful tiles, strategize your patterns, and even play a little defence by blocking your opponents. It’s a game that’s as much about planning as it is about creativity—and those tiles are seriously satisfying to play with!
How Do You Play?
The rules are simple but oh-so-strategic! Draft tiles from factories, line them up on your board, and transfer them to your mosaic. The trick? Only completed rows make it onto your masterpiece, and leftover tiles come back to bite you in the form of penalties. It’s a race to balance beauty with brains!
Why We Love It
We’re absolutely obsessed with Azul because it’s like solving a puzzle, playing a game, and being an artist all at once. Plus, it’s the perfect mix of competitive and chill—you can focus on your own masterpiece or mess with your friends’ plans (in the nicest way possible, of course).
Capacity Building & NDIS Progress
Board games aren’t just about having a blast—they’re incredible tools for building skills and meeting NDIS goals! Here’s how Azul can help:
- Cognitive Skills: The strategic planning in Azul supports decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Fine Motor Skills: Placing those intricate tiles with precision helps improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Social Interaction: Whether you’re strategizing with a friend or competing for the best tiles, Azul is a great way to practice communication, turn-taking, and conflict resolution.
- Emotional Regulation: Losing a few points or seeing your opponent grab the tiles you needed can be a lesson in patience and managing emotions.
Aligned with NDIS goals, Azul encourages participants to engage with others, develop focus, and build independence through structured play.
Spotlight Features
- Best for: Creative minds who love a strategic twist
- Pro Tip: Watch what your opponents are collecting—you might just block their perfect score!
- Skill-Building Focus: Pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and goal-oriented planning are key features that make Azul both fun and functional.
If You Love This Game, Try These!
Expand your board game horizons with these gems from our library:
- Sagrada – Design a masterpiece of stained-glass windows in this equally colourful and strategic dice-drafting game.
- Splendor – Take on the role of a Renaissance merchant and strategize your way to wealth with simple but addictive gameplay.
How to Borrow or Learn
Want to give Azul a try? It’s ready and waiting in the Just Support board game library. Hop over to our library page or hit us up on Discord for tutorials, tips, and borrowing info. We’ve even got handy how-to videos to get you started!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to master strategy, unleash your creative side, or just chill with friends, Azul is your game. It’s more than just a pretty face—it’s a powerhouse for fun and skill-building. So, what are you waiting for? Grab Azul and start creating your masterpiece today!
