Alpino game

Alpino
The unique nature of the majestic Alps is the theme of the family game Alpino by Piatnik. Tile by tile, new habitats for ibex, lynxes, marmots, etc., emerge. To win, you need good tactics: will you specialize in one animal species or rely on diversity? But competition is fierce, so the value of different animal species changes each round. At the end, points are awarded only for the largest group of each animal species. This requires special vigilance, flexibility, and attention to competitors’ actions.
Alpino includes 40 tiles depicting animals in various landscapes. Each shows animal figures or a watering hole. Depending on the number of players, a suitable number of tiles is placed face-up in the center each round. Before starting, scoring tiles with different animal species and watering holes are placed in a row. During the game, you learn how valuable each animal or watering hole is. Each player receives a secret tile that can potentially change the game outcome at the end, adding tension until the last moment.
Gameplay consists of several rounds, each bringing new challenges and opportunities. Each round has three phases. In phase 1, you expand your own area: on your turn, choose one revealed tile and place it in your display. Like dominoes, you can place it only if at least one landscape type on the new tile matches a neighboring landscape type on an already placed tile. If not, you can flip the tile. The back of each tile has two water sources you can place anywhere in your area. Once everyone has done this once, phase 2 begins: increasing animal populations. The player with the starting tile takes a landscape tile left on the market and slides it under the appropriate scoring tile, e.g., lynx. This means the area with the most lynxes is now worth two points. Phase 3 involves preparations for the next round. This repeats until no more landscape tiles can be placed. Then it gets interesting with the secret tile. Each player places it anywhere in their area, potentially creating the largest group of a given animal species. Only these groups score points. The number depends on the number of landscape tiles among scoring tiles. Points are awarded for each of the five animal species and the watering hole. The player with the most points wins this tactical family game.