Buy this game if: you’ve played Sushi Go (a card drafting game) and want something with more strategy.

This game stands out because it plays large groups and there is no down time. This game is also great because it feels pretty well balanced i.e. there are many ways to get victory points, but no one way seems to be the best way.

The iconography on the cards can be a bit confusing at first, but once you understand what the symbols mean they are very helpful.

Positive:
1. This game plays up to 7 people.
2. Game is pretty quick and game time stays about the same with small and large groups.
3. No down time -everyone is always playing at the same time.
4. Although you don’t interact directly with all players, there is some interaction.
5. Multiple paths to victory give every player the option to decide their own strategy.
6. Scoring at the end can be exciting because scores are typically pretty close.

Negative:
1. The drafting and set collection concepts for the game can be a little too much for younger players.
2. The cards are busy with icons and information -that can be daunting.
3. The theme seems very cool, but it doesn’t really come through while playing -very abstract.
4. Sitting next to someone who isn’t paying close attention is a huge advantage.

Brief Overview:
In this game, you are trying to get the most victory points. You get victory points by collecting sets or combinations of cards. You collect cards through a drafting mechanic (think drafting basketball players, not draft drinks).

To draft cards, you start the game with 7 cards, you choose one, and pass the remaining 6 to your left. The player on your right will pass you 6 cards, you choose one, and pass the remaining 5 to the left. Continue till all cards have been chosen and then do this two more times (for a total of 3 rounds). In choosing cards, most have a cost and some have a pay out.

Versions:
There are a few expansions for this game (Cities, Leaders, and Babel) but none are necessary -although I would recommend them if you want to play this game hundreds of time. There is a 2 player version of this game (7 Wonders Duel)  which I haven’t played yet, but seems to be getting good reviews.

Teaching Advice:
This is a tough one, and it’s best to let players know that they will likely be confused at first. I also advise players to get comfortable because it will likely take at least 10 minutes to just explain how all the cards interact..

Start with explaining how to choose and pay for cards -resource cards first then blue victory cards (it’s good to show a quick path to victory points at first). Once players see the quick path to points, explain all the more complicated paths -the order doesn’t really matter, but you may want to wait till the last round to explain the purple cards (players often forget how these work during the first two rounds).

Link to Video Tutorial.

Link to 7 Wonders on Amazon.