Azul review

Azul earns its place because it gives a family table a real puzzle in 30 to 45 minutes with almost no rules to learn. Players take turns claiming colored tiles from shared displays and placing them on their own board to build a mosaic. Extra points go to full sets of one color and to particular patterns, while tiles you cannot place count against you. The catch is interaction: each tile you take decides what your rivals can claim next. GameNerdz lists Azul, designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Next Move Games, for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up. It lists at $39.99 and was $31.99 when we checked. The trade-offs are a four-player limit and an abstract theme, so groups who want a story or more seats should look at Ticket to Ride or Codenames.

Who it is for

Families who want a quick, good-looking abstract game

Price

$39.99 list price; $31.99 at GameNerdz when checked.

$31.99 $39.99 + FREE SHIPPING
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up, 30 to 45 minutes per game
• Players claim tiles and arrange them on a personal mosaic board
• Bonus points for sets of one color and for specific patterns
• Penalties for tiles you take but cannot use
• Designed by Michael Kiesling, published by Next Move Games

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Rules fit in a few minutes and the minimum age is 8
• Strength: Every tile you take changes what rivals can take next
• Strength: $31.99 at GameNerdz when checked
• Weakness: Four players maximum
• Weakness: Abstract theme with little story for kids who want one
• Weakness: Penalties for unused tiles can punish new players

Key facts

• Publisher: Next Move Games
• Designer: Michael Kiesling
• Players: 2 to 4
• Play time: 30 to 45 minutes
• Age: 8+
• Price: $39.99 list, $31.99 at GameNerdz

Where it ranks

Azul is No. 3 in our Best Board Games verdict.