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Commands & Colors: Ancients
GMT Games · 2006
260 min12+ yrs2.7/5 complexity7.8 BGG#253 BGG12,6 KCouplesStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play Commands & Colors: Ancients?
The primary objective of Commands & Colors: Ancients is to be the first player to accumulate a specific number of victory banners, which is determined by the chosen scenario. Victory banners are earned by eliminating enemy units from the game board through successful combat engagements.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
Players receive a set number of command cards, and units are placed on the board according to the chosen scenario, with Romans getting 6 cards and Britons 5.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To begin the game, players first select a historical scenario to play, which dictates the initial placement of all units on the hexagonal game board. Each player then receives a hand of command cards; the Roman player starts with six cards, while the Briton player starts with five. These cards are crucial for activating units during the game. Additionally, a reference sheet is provided to help players understand unit types, combat rules, and special abilities.
Objective
The primary objective of Commands & Colors: Ancients is to be the first player to accumulate a specific number of victory banners, which is determined by the chosen scenario. Victory banners are earned by eliminating enemy units from the game board through successful combat engagements.
On your turn
A player's turn consists of several phases: first, the active player plays one command card from their hand. This card specifies which section of the board (left, center, or right) and how many units within that section can be activated. Activated units can then move up to their movement allowance and engage in combat. After all activated units have completed their actions, the player draws a new command card to replenish their hand.
Scoring
Victory banners are the primary method of scoring in the game. One victory banner is awarded to a player for each enemy unit that is completely eliminated from the game board. Some scenarios may also offer additional victory banners for controlling specific terrain features or achieving certain tactical objectives.
Game end
The game concludes immediately when one player successfully accumulates the number of victory banners required by the chosen scenario. That player is then declared the winner of the battle.
Tips
To maximize your strategic advantage, always keep the reference sheet handy. It provides detailed information on each unit type, including their movement capabilities, combat dice, and any special rules. Pay close attention to the different dice symbols (green circle for light, blue triangle for medium, red square for heavy, sword for close combat, and leader symbol for leaders) and how they correspond to unit types and combat outcomes. Understanding leader abilities, such as granting extra dice or ignoring retreat flags, is also crucial for effective play. Light units often have the ability to evade close combat, which can be a powerful defensive tactic.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity2.7 / 5
BGG rating7.8 / 10
Vibe
CouplesStrategy
Language dependence
Moderate text — a crib sheet helps
Play time
60 min
Players
2
Recommended age
12+ yrs
BGG rank
#253
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective of Commands & Colors: Ancients is to be the first player to accumulate a specific number of victory banners, which is determined by the chosen scenario. Victory banners are earned by eliminating enemy units from the game board through successful combat engagements.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To begin the game, players first select a historical scenario to play, which dictates the initial placement of all units on the hexagonal game board. Each player then receives a hand of command cards; the Roman player starts with six cards, while the Briton player starts with five. These cards are crucial for activating units during the game. Additionally, a reference sheet is provided to help players understand unit types, combat rules, and special abilities.
Q3How does a turn work?
A player's turn consists of several phases: first, the active player plays one command card from their hand. This card specifies which section of the board (left, center, or right) and how many units within that section can be activated. Activated units can then move up to their movement allowance and engage in combat. After all activated units have completed their actions, the player draws a new command card to replenish their hand.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Victory banners are the primary method of scoring in the game. One victory banner is awarded to a player for each enemy unit that is completely eliminated from the game board. Some scenarios may also offer additional victory banners for controlling specific terrain features or achieving certain tactical objectives.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes immediately when one player successfully accumulates the number of victory banners required by the chosen scenario. That player is then declared the winner of the battle.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
To maximize your strategic advantage, always keep the reference sheet handy. It provides detailed information on each unit type, including their movement capabilities, combat dice, and any special rules. Pay close attention to the different dice symbols (green circle for light, blue triangle for medium, red square for heavy, sword for close combat, and leader symbol for leaders) and how they correspond to unit types and combat outcomes. Understanding leader abilities, such as granting extra dice or ignoring retreat flags, is also crucial for effective play. Light units often have the ability to evade close combat, which can be a powerful defensive tactic.
Q7How much does Commands & Colors: Ancients cost?
No store is currently tracking Commands & Colors: Ancients. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Commands & Colors: Ancients cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Commands & Colors: Ancients?
Commands & Colors: Ancients is a ancient game, for 2 players, taking ~60 minutes, featuring campaign / battle card driven. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Commands & Colors: Ancients — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Commands & Colors: Ancients support?
Commands & Colors: Ancients is played by 2 players.
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