Patchwork

Key features of the board game Game of Thrones

What is patchwork

Patchwork is a type of handwork in which skilled seamstresses sew pieces of fabric into larger pieces of geometric mosaic, in the past this technique was used to process remnants of various fabrics to make garments and quilts. Nowadays, patchwork is seen more as a distinctive artistic technique that uses exquisite fabrics to produce sumptuous textiles. Modern works created using the patchwork technique can even be found in the world's leading museums and galleries.

What the game is about

However, to create a beautiful quilt you need a lot of diligence, patience and time. The mosaic pieces currently available to you often can't be connected exactly to your liking, so choose them with great care and keep a reasonable supply of buttons at all times. You will need them not only to complete the quilt, but also to produce more valuable work than your opponent(s).

How to play?

In Patchwork, you become a seamstress or tailor trying to create the most beautiful and valuable quilt. Your task will be to assemble the best possible mosaic of differently shaped patches on a 9x9 game board. During the game you will manage the buttons that serve as the game currency and victory points. The key is to time your patch purchases correctly and place them strategically on your game board. The game uses an original timeline movement mechanism that determines the order of moves. It is always the turn of the player whose chip is further back. This brings interesting tactical options - sometimes it pays to advance and get the buttons, other times it's better to buy a patch and move forward in time. Your goal is to create the most compact quilt and collect as many buttons as possible.

For whom the game is intended

Patchwork is a strategy game designed for two players aged 8 and up. You should allow around 30 minutes per game, which makes it an ideal choice for couples, parents with children or friends looking for a quick but fun gaming challenge. Thanks to its simple rules, it can be mastered by less experienced players, while for the more experienced ones it offers plenty of room for tactics.

History and creators of the game

Patchwork was launched in 2014 by German publisher Lookout Games. It was created by renowned German game designer Uwe Rosenberg, known for his elaborate games such as Agricola and Le Havre. The visuals are by Austrian illustrator Klemens Franz. The game quickly gained the favour of players and critics alike, as evidenced by a number of awards. In 2015, it was nominated for the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award in the category of recommended plays and in the same year won the special prize Spiel der Spiele. Patchwork was localized into Czech in 2015.