Novgorod

This is one of Stefan Risthaus's series of neat card games set around the Hanseatic League. And one aim is to develop your career as a medieval merchant. No, really: the further you advance, the bigger the bonuses available to you. The main thrust of each turn, though, is laying cards to establish a route between cities. The commodities available along the way can be traded for more valuable, luxury goods, used to fulfil a contract or forgone to generate money.

This gives you some interesting decisions on how to use your cards – and what to add to your hand. As well as buying cards, you can take fresh contracts or improve your ship – yes, more decisions. Key to success is balancing income and acquiring the 'seals' you need to win. It's trickier than it looks.

For 2-4 players, aged 10+, playing time 45 minutes

Novgorod was designed by Stefan Risthaus and is published by Ostia Spiele

Find out more:
    Novgorod on BoardGameGeek