Cascadia Board Game by AEG and Flatout Games
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$37.45Check it out
For Him / Her / Kids
Azul Board Game — a tile puzzle that is quick to learn and hard to put down
Azul Board Game by Next Move Games
Reviewed by the WhyToBuyThis team · Updated September 2026 · How we choose
Perfect for
- Couples and families
- Learn in minutes
- Pattern puzzles
- Under $40
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Price: $31.99
Price may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything extra.
- Great gift ideaChosen for real-world gifting
- Hand-pickedCurated, not scraped
- Honest reviewThe catch, not just the hype
Why this gift works
Azul is a tile-drafting game from Next Move Games, designed by Michael Kiesling, for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up, taking 30 to 45 minutes. On a turn a player takes every tile of one color from a display and adds them to lines on their board; completed lines move onto a 5-by-5 mosaic wall that scores for neighboring tiles. It comes with 100 resin tiles, player boards and a linen bag. This is the original 2017 edition.
It is one of those games that can be taught in minutes and still rewards careful play, and the heavy resin tiles feel great in the hand. It suits couples, families and anyone who likes pattern puzzles.
Who is this gift for?
Great for
- A couple who plays after dinner
- A family with older kids
- A friend who likes puzzles
Think twice if
- They play solo
- They dislike blocking opponents
The catch
It plays 2 to 4 with no solo mode, players can force penalty tiles onto each other, which some groups find mean, and the tile theme is purely decorative.
Skip if they mostly play alone, or already own it or one of its sequels.
Key specs
| Publisher | Next Move Games (Plan B), distributed by Asmodee |
|---|---|
| Designer | Michael Kiesling |
| Players | 2-4 |
| Play time | 30-45 minutes |
| Age | 8+ |
| Components | 100 resin tiles, 4 player boards, 9 factory displays, linen bag |
Worth knowing before you buy
- Summer Pavilion, Stained Glass of Sintra and Queen's Garden are separate games in the series.
- The box is about 10.25 inches square.
Why we like it
- Taught in minutes
- Satisfying resin tiles
- Rewards clever play
- Great for two
What to look for in a strategy game for couples
- Two-player play. Check it plays well with two - Azul does.
- Teaching time. Games taught in minutes get played more often.
- Components. Quality pieces make a game feel special.
Questions people ask
2 to 4.
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