Inspired by the medieval fortress in southern France of the same name, Carcassonne is a tile-laying game in which players fill in the countryside around the fortified city.

Followers can take many different roles determined by the type of tile on which theyre placed:

Knights
Monks
Farmers
Thieves
Each role scores points differently, so youll need careful planning to make the best use of your followers.

For example, thieves are placed on roads, and score one point for every tile making up that road.

With its simple yet rich game mechanics and tiles that can be configured into numerous combinations, Carcassonne appeals to beginners and veteran gamers alike.

Players choose from tiles that depict:

Cities
Roads
Monasteries
Fields
Each new tile placed creates an ever-expanding board on which players can then add their followers.

As the map grows, so does the opportunity for players to disrupt each other’s plans. Everyone is adding to the same map and only one follower can be on any given feature at a time—so if you don’t place a follower on something, someone else probably will.

Players score points by having followers on features as theyre completed. The player who makes the most strategic placements of tiles and followers will score the most points and win the game.

Whether blocking a citys growth or connecting with your opponent’s road to share the points, Carcassonne provides plenty of ways to use your cunning and outsmart your opponents.