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Maria
Histogame · 2009
2–3210 min14+ yrs3.6/5 complexity8.0 BGG#435 BGG5,9 KStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play Maria?
The main objective in 'Maria' is to be the first player to empty their victory point box. This is achieved by conquering enemy fortresses and controlling key electoral college locations on the map. Each fortress or electoral city conquered removes a victory point marker from your box. The game is a three-player free-for-all, but alliances and betrayals are common, adding a layer of political intrigue to the military strategy.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01
Setup
The game board is divided into two maps, Western and Eastern, with three factions: France-Bavaria (red/orange), Prussia-Saxony (blue/green), and Austria (white/grey), each with starting troops and supply trains.
The rules, step by step
Setup
The game board for 'Maria' is divided into two main maps: the Western map, featuring France and the Low Countries, and the Eastern map, covering Prussia, Saxony, and Austria. There are three main factions: France-Bavaria (represented by red and orange pieces), Prussia-Saxony (represented by blue and green pieces), and Austria (represented by white and grey pieces). Each faction begins with a specific number of troops and supply trains placed on designated starting locations across the maps. The game also includes special locations like fortresses and electoral college cities, which are crucial for gameplay.
Objective
The main objective in 'Maria' is to be the first player to empty their victory point box. This is achieved by conquering enemy fortresses and controlling key electoral college locations on the map. Each fortress or electoral city conquered removes a victory point marker from your box. The game is a three-player free-for-all, but alliances and betrayals are common, adding a layer of political intrigue to the military strategy.
On your turn
A game turn in 'Maria' is structured into several phases. It begins with a political phase where event cards are drawn and players bid for them, influencing various aspects of the game. Following this, each faction takes action stages in a specific order: France-Bavaria, then Prussia-Saxony, and finally Austria-Pragmatic Army (the 'schizophrenic' player). During their action stage, players draw tactical cards, check their supply lines, move their generals and supply trains, and resolve any combat that occurs. After every three turns, a winter phase occurs, which includes a special scoring round.
Scoring
Victory points are primarily scored by conquering fortresses and controlling electoral college locations. Each fortress or electoral city captured removes a victory point marker from your box. During the winter phase, a special scoring round takes place, where players tally their controlled fortresses and electoral votes. The player with the lowest total number of victory point markers in their box at the end of the game wins. This encourages aggressive play and strategic resource management.
Game end
The game concludes either after a maximum of 12 turns or immediately if any player successfully empties their victory point box. If the game reaches the end of the 12th turn without any player emptying their box, the player with the fewest remaining victory point markers is declared the winner. This creates tension and encourages players to balance offensive pushes with defensive strategies to protect their own markers.
Tips
To succeed in 'Maria', players should focus on maintaining robust supply lines, as units without supply are severely penalized. Strategic movement, including 'forced marches' on major roads, allows for rapid deployment and surprise attacks. Understanding the unique alliance mechanics, especially the 'schizophrenic' player who controls two factions with shifting loyalties, is crucial for effective diplomacy and military coordination. Prioritize conquering fortresses and electoral college cities to reduce your victory point count, but always be mindful of enemy counter-attacks and the need to protect your own assets.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity3.6 / 5
BGG rating8.0 / 10
Vibe
Strategy
Language dependence
Some text — easily memorized
Play time
210 min
Players
2–3
Recommended age
14+ yrs
BGG rank
#435
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The main objective in 'Maria' is to be the first player to empty their victory point box. This is achieved by conquering enemy fortresses and controlling key electoral college locations on the map. Each fortress or electoral city conquered removes a victory point marker from your box. The game is a three-player free-for-all, but alliances and betrayals are common, adding a layer of political intrigue to the military strategy.
Q2How do you set up the game?
The game board for 'Maria' is divided into two main maps: the Western map, featuring France and the Low Countries, and the Eastern map, covering Prussia, Saxony, and Austria. There are three main factions: France-Bavaria (represented by red and orange pieces), Prussia-Saxony (represented by blue and green pieces), and Austria (represented by white and grey pieces). Each faction begins with a specific number of troops and supply trains placed on designated starting locations across the maps. The game also includes special locations like fortresses and electoral college cities, which are crucial for gameplay.
Q3How does a turn work?
A game turn in 'Maria' is structured into several phases. It begins with a political phase where event cards are drawn and players bid for them, influencing various aspects of the game. Following this, each faction takes action stages in a specific order: France-Bavaria, then Prussia-Saxony, and finally Austria-Pragmatic Army (the 'schizophrenic' player). During their action stage, players draw tactical cards, check their supply lines, move their generals and supply trains, and resolve any combat that occurs. After every three turns, a winter phase occurs, which includes a special scoring round.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Victory points are primarily scored by conquering fortresses and controlling electoral college locations. Each fortress or electoral city captured removes a victory point marker from your box. During the winter phase, a special scoring round takes place, where players tally their controlled fortresses and electoral votes. The player with the lowest total number of victory point markers in their box at the end of the game wins. This encourages aggressive play and strategic resource management.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes either after a maximum of 12 turns or immediately if any player successfully empties their victory point box. If the game reaches the end of the 12th turn without any player emptying their box, the player with the fewest remaining victory point markers is declared the winner. This creates tension and encourages players to balance offensive pushes with defensive strategies to protect their own markers.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
To succeed in 'Maria', players should focus on maintaining robust supply lines, as units without supply are severely penalized. Strategic movement, including 'forced marches' on major roads, allows for rapid deployment and surprise attacks. Understanding the unique alliance mechanics, especially the 'schizophrenic' player who controls two factions with shifting loyalties, is crucial for effective diplomacy and military coordination. Prioritize conquering fortresses and electoral college cities to reduce your victory point count, but always be mindful of enemy counter-attacks and the need to protect your own assets.
Q7How much does Maria cost?
No store is currently tracking Maria. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Maria cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Maria?
Maria is a age of reason game, for 2–3 players, taking ~210 minutes, featuring auction / bidding. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Maria — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Maria support?
Maria is played by 2–3 players.
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Regatul JocurilorSecond edition
Maria (2012 English Second Edition)
free over RON 149
○ out of stock
RON 229
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