Believe it or not, Patchwork Express is even simpler than Patchwork! This spin - off game is suitable for both young and old. The boards are smaller, there are fewer tiles to place, and it takes less time to play compared to Patchwork. The larger tile size makes them easy to grab and read. And guess what? It's just as fun as its predecessor! In this game, each player aims to build the most beautiful and high - scoring patchwork quilt on a 7x7 personal game board. To start, randomly arrange all the light - colored patches in a circle and place a starting marker. Players take some buttons (the in - game currency and points), and one player is chosen as the start player. On your turn, you can either buy one of the three patches clockwise from the starting marker or pass. Buying a patch means paying the button cost, moving the starting marker, adding the patch to your board, and advancing your time token on the time track. You can place the patch anywhere on your board without overlapping, but tight fitting is key. If your time token is behind or on top of your opponent's, you get another turn; otherwise, it's their turn. You can also choose to pass, moving your time token in front of your opponent's and getting buttons from the bank based on the spaces moved. Each patch has 0 - 3 buttons, and when your time token passes a button on the time track, you earn 'button income' by summing the buttons on your board. The time track has six 1x1 patches. Whoever passes a patch on the track first claims it and places it on their board. Later in the game, dark - colored patches are added. These smaller pieces are great for filling holes on your board.
How to play Patchwork Express: First, set up the game by randomly arranging all the light - colored patches in a circle and placing a starting marker. Each player takes some buttons and one is chosen as the start player. On your turn, you have two options. You can buy a patch: pay the button cost shown on the patch, move the starting marker to the patch's location, add it to your 7x7 game board, and advance your time token on the time track according to the time on the patch. Place the patch anywhere on your board without overlapping other patches, but try to fit them tightly. If your time token is behind or on top of your opponent's, you get another turn. Or you can pass: move your time token in front of your opponent's and take one button from the bank for each space you moved. When your time token passes a button on the time track, sum the buttons on your board and take that many from the bank. If you pass a 1x1 patch on the time track, claim it and place it on your board right away. As the game goes on, dark - colored patches will be added. These smaller patches can help fill in the holes on your board. Note: Keep track of your buttons and time tokens carefully. Make sure to place the patches neatly on your board. For maintenance, keep the game in a dry and clean place. Avoid getting the patches and tokens wet, and don't bend or damage them. If the game gets dirty, you can gently wipe the pieces with a soft, dry cloth.
