We started with Settlers, then moved on to Carcassone, Settlers -- the card game, Alhambra, Hanging Gardens, San Juan, Tigris and Euphrates and now Caylus. They've all been winners, some keeping our attention longer than others. Caylus is setting a new standard in creativity and novelty. It took awhile for me to get the rules straight. I had to actually play a practice game with imaginary players once before we could play together. The time spent on the rules was well worth the trouble. Like Tigris, there's no luck involved and a seemingly endless line of strategies to pursue. The games have been sometimes a blow- away, but often are very close and it isn't always certain, even in the later stages of the game who is going to win. Still playing after several weeks. I expect this one to be at the top of the pile for many years to come.

Caylus is a brilliantly designed game which offers a range of paths to victory. It is this variety of competing strategies and the way that players need to adapt to the strategies of others that make this game so enjoyable and replayable. Our group have had winners that have not built any buildings, winners that have contributed little to castle and winners that have won by forcing a quick completion to the castle. These are only some of the evolving strategies employed.

Each of the potential moves is relatively simple and easy to learn but the complexity that some people talk about is because of the complex ways in which the moves interact and the variety of potential approaches. This is exactly what makes the game so appealing.

Finally the board is the best I have seen. Once you have read and understood the rules there is no read to refer back to them as the board provides visual reminders of all the rules.

The only problem with the game is that involves building a castle for France and as an Englishman this is a tough concept to support. I reassure myself with the knowledge that in nearly all our games the foundations or walls are only ever half completed..... :)

Caylus is the game of the year for 2005-2006. Except for the initial turn position (which can be changed) there are no luck elements in this game. Unlike Puerto Rico, buildings are common and can be used by anyone. There are many close decisions each turn on deciding where to place workers, and which building to construct. However, the key of the game is to help King Philip the Fair build his castle in Caylus. Generally, the most helpful player gathers the King's Royal Favor and wins the game. The mechanics of moving down the road in the town with the bailiff make the game between 9 and 18 turns long. A key to the game is the Provost move on the road which determines which buildings are active. Provost movement causes conflict among the players and may not appeal to gamers who do not like adverse interaction. One suggestion is to change the rules slightly and abolish discussion among the players on how the Provost should move. This small change reduces hostility and game play time substantially. The 1 and 5 coins provided with the game should be replaced with the coins of your choice. I like any coins that give a nice metallic sound when they are thrown into the pile. This game may reach #1 in the popularity list.