Splendor

Splendor’s staying power in the collection comes down to its physicality and the way it channels focus. The poker-chip gems aren’t just a gimmick—they’re the anchor that keeps even seasoned players invested, providing a tactile feedback loop that’s rare in engine-builders. The rules are abstract but tight, and the “one action per turn” structure is a deliberate brake that forces players to plan ahead, not just react. In practice, this means the table often goes quiet as everyone tracks their own engine, and you can tell the game is doing its job when the only sound is chips clicking. Lately, though, the original’s plain theme is starting to show its age, especially with the Pokémon re-theme drawing more attention from newer groups. Still, Splendor remains a regular pull every few months—reliable, focused, and still delivering that satisfying build-up. From a logistics standpoint, Splendor is a classic case of wasted space. The original box is mostly air, and the plastic insert is the first thing to go if you’re serious about shelf management. I recommend condensing everything—base game and expansions—into a compact case, which makes it easy to deploy for quick sessions or travel. Setup is straightforward: lay out the cards, stack the chips, and you’re ready in under 15 minutes. With a 30-minute playtime, it’s a flexible option—strong enough to anchor a lighter game night, but also perfect as a reset between heavier titles. The only real wrangle is keeping the chips from migrating across the table, but that’s a minor tradeoff for the tactile payoff. Teaching Splendor is a procedural exercise. The main stumbling block is the action economy—new players instinctively want to collect gems and buy in the same turn, so you have to hammer home the “one action” rule. Nobles also need a clear explanation: they’re passive bonuses, not something you actively pursue on your turn. Once the first round is underway, the parallel play structure means you can step away to handle other tables; players rarely need arbitration, and the game runs itself. The low interaction keeps the room focused but quiet—don’t expect much table banter, but you will get a concentrated, almost meditative energy as everyone chases their own engine. For a game-night host, that’s a reliable signal that Splendor is still doing exactly what it’s supposed to.