How To Play: Amsterdam

If you’ve ever wanted to beat your friends at Amsterdam and rub it in just a little, you’re in the right spot. In this guide, I’ll share an easy outline of the game rules, along with the sneaky, tried-and-true strategies that helped me come close to victory (I still blame Pete for my last loss). Ready to learn How To Play amsterdam like a champ?

Overview

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 6 player boards
• 6 wooden barges
• 6 wooden scoring markers
• 6 player aids
• 96 goods cards
• 72 contract cards
• 180 coins
• 1 start player marker
• 60 warehouses
• 36 houses
• 12 bridges
• 24 canal tiles
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Amsterdam: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Hand out a player board, tokens, and starting cash to each person. Do not let your friend Jerry hoard the coins—he tried once, we caught him.
2. Place the main board in the center. Shuffle the Contract and Bonus tiles, then deal the starting set to all.
3. Put your carts at the start of the canal. Place goods tokens nearby so Dave can’t eat them (yes, they’re wooden but he’ll try).
4. Decide who goes first. We usually pick whoever last visited the Netherlands or whoever can pronounce “stroopwafel” without spitting.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, choose and pay for a route to build. Place a bridge token on the board to show off your craftsmanship.
2. Collect goods from the board. If you take cheese, don’t actually eat it—unless you brought your own snacks.
3. Complete contracts to earn coins and points. If you finish a contract, brag a little. It’s only natural!
4. Draw new contracts or grab a bonus tile. Always be plotting your next move. Or guessing what Steve will mess up next.
5. Pass the turn to your left. Play keeps going around the table until everyone has had a go.

Winning

1. Once a certain number of contracts are finished or the goods run out, the end game triggers.
2. Add up your points from routes, contracts, and bonuses. Double-check Dave’s math. He’s sneaky.
3. The player with the highest score wins. Losers must tell the winner, “You canal-ways beat me.” (House rule, but highly recommended.)

Special Rules & Conditions

1. When you build across a bridge, pay the special bridge toll. Don’t forget this or your friends will remind you for weeks.
2. If you complete two contracts in one turn, you get a free bonus tile. (If this happens, celebrate with a very short Dutch dance.)
3. If all routes in a color are gone, tough luck! Plan better next time.

There you have it! If you’re ever stuck, just remember the How To Play amsterdam summary: build smart, manage your coins, and never trust Jerry with the cheese.

Best Amsterdam Strategies

Mastering the Map: Optimal Route Planning in Amsterdam

Study the Board Layout

Familiarize yourself with Amsterdam’s twisting paths. Every game, I scan the map and locate key delivery spots before making my first move.

1. Spot high-traffic routes.
2. Pinpoint shortcuts.
3. Note bottleneck areas.

Plan for Flexibility

You want to adjust on the fly. Don’t lock in one path—leave room for changes.

1. Pick routes that touch multiple contracts.
2. Hold backup plans for blocked spaces.

Time Your Actions

Since turn order matters, I always check what my friends plan next. This lets me swoop in and snag the best moves just before them!

1. Watch opponents’ patterns.
2. Act before crucial junctions get crowded.

Stack Your Guilders: Top Money Moves in Amsterdam

Start with a Budget

First, set a spending limit. Even if you spot a juicy contract, don’t go broke chasing it. You’ll thank me later.

Keep Cash Flowing

1. Sell goods early when prices peak.
2. Grab bonus tiles that boost your income.
3. Trade wisely with friends—never undersell!

Don’t Overcommit

Always have enough coins for emergencies. You never know when your friend will block your canal, and trust me, they will. Avoid panic loans at all costs.

For more, check my How To Play amsterdam guide!

Mastering Contract Choices in Amsterdam: Outsmart, Outplay, Outwin

Pick Contracts That Match Your Route

1. Always grab contracts that line up with where you’re already headed. This way, you collect points without wasting moves.

2. If a contract sends you across the map, skip it. Trust me, I ended up zigzagging so much, my friends called me “Tourist Jamie.”

Choose Contracts With Bonus Opportunities

1. Snatch contracts that let you scoop up bonus tokens, keys or goods along your path. These add up, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Balance Risk and Reward

1. Sometimes you’ll see a risky contract with a massive reward. Take it if you have backup cash and your routes aren’t a mess. Otherwise, play it safe.

How To Play amsterdam is all about snapping up contracts that fit your plan, not ruin it. Don’t get greedy—steady progress wins!

Wrap Up: Mastering Amsterdam Like a Local

Well, there you have it—my best tips for outwitting your friends at Amsterdam. Remember, a sharp eye on routes, a tight grip on your coins, and tasty contract picks will take you far. And if all else fails, just distract your buddies with stroopwafels until you sneak in a win. Next time someone asks you How To Play amsterdam, you’ll sound like a pro—at least until your cat knocks over the game board. Happy playing, and may the wind always fill your sails!

Want to know what we think of Amsterdam? Read our detailed review of Amsterdam here