How To Play: Mexica

Overview

Let me tell you, my friends and I battled on the island of Mexica like it was for all the tacos in Tenochtitlan. If you want to win at this clever classic, you gotta know the rules and some sneaky tricks. In this guide, I’ll break down How To Play Mexica and share my best strategies after way too many games (and snacks). Let’s get you that sweet, sweet temple glory.

What’s in the box

• 1 Game board
• 2 Reference boards
• 47 District tiles
• 56 Canal tiles
• 4 Player screens
• 48 Temples (12 per color)
• 4 Mexica figures
• 4 Scoring markers (1 per color)
• 1 Round marker
• 1 Bridge marker

How To Play Mexica: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Unfold the game board and place it on the table. Make sure there’s enough room—no elbows in canals, please.
2. Give each player their tokens and canal pieces in their chosen color. If your friend argues about their lucky color, let them have it. It won’t help them.
3. Place the Mexica figures at the starting position on the board.
4. Mix the district tiles and stack them nearby. Put the temples close as well, unless you want to be up and down all game.
5. Pick a start player. Use a dramatic method, like yelling “Who wants tacos?” Winner goes first.

Gameplay

1. Players take turns in clockwise order. Each turn, you get 6 action points to spend.
2. Spend points to move, build canals, place bridges, found districts, or drop temples. Be careful—action points go fast, like my patience for rules-lawyers.
3. Districts are areas surrounded by water. Found one by placing a district tile and naming it. No naming districts after your pet ferret every game.
4. When a district matches a size required by a temple, grab that temple and plunk it on the board for points.
5. Players can also build bridges to keep moving over canals, because Mexica hates wet socks.

Winning

1. The game ends after all district tiles and temples are placed. Some people like to pretend they won at this point, but it’s best to count the points for real.
2. Score points for temple majority in each district—whoever has the most temples gets big points, runner up gets some too. Ties make everyone grumpy.
3. Final bonus: If you’re present in every district, you get a few extra points. Don’t forget this unless you want to give your friend a free win.
4. The player with the most points wins. Celebrate by making everyone call you “Supreme Mexica” for exactly five minutes.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. No district can be smaller or larger than the size shown on the district tile. So don’t get creative, or the group will make you read the rules next time.
2. Bridges can only cross canals, not land, unless you have magical powers (spoiler: you don’t).
3. If you can’t move because your canal system is too confusing, that’s on you. Plan better next time!
4. When in doubt, check the rules or ask the player with the thickest glasses. They probably know.

Now you know the basics. Remember, the real goal is to have fun arguing over canals and temples with your friends. And to keep your ferret out of the box.

Best Mexica Strategies

Mastering District Placement in Mexica: Outsmart Your Opponents

Spotting Prime Land Early

Always look for large open spaces at the start. Snagging these first lets you carve out massive districts before your friends crowd you out.

Baiting Your Opponents

If you see your pal eyeing a spot, sometimes it’s smart to build right next to them. This blocks their plans and forces them to rethink their move.

1. Claim corners for maximum flexibility.
2. Break up big open areas to limit options for others.
3. Keep an eye on matching district sizes with scoring demands.

How To Play mexica: Scoring Big on District Placement

Remember, matching district sizes with those on the scoring track scores you serious points. Place with purpose and you’ll sneak ahead on the scoreboard.

Canal Building Mastery in Mexica: How To Play Mexica Like a Pro

Timing Your Canal Placement

1. Place canals early to block your friends before they get sneaky.
2. Use canals to limit the size of future districts and mess up clever plans.

Maximizing Movement

1. Build canals that let you zip across the board—your Mexica needs speed!
2. Leave open canal ends for quick punt access later in the game.

Messing with Your Friends

1. Pick canal spots that disrupt scoring opportunities for others.
2. Split big empty spaces with canals to force awkward districts.

So, if you want to win and maybe annoy your group a tiny bit, these How To Play Mexica canal tips deliver. You’ll thank me when your friends groan in defeat!

Take Control: Temple Majority Mastery in Mexica

Focus on High-Value Districts

1. Place temples in districts with the most point potential first.
2. Watch where opponents cluster and aim to contest those districts.

Time Your Temples Wisely

1. Hold your bigger temple tiles for late-game surprise swings.
2. Spread temples early, but secure dominance when it counts.

Anticipate Opponent Moves

1. Track which districts opponents can still reach.
2. Pounce on open districts before they catch on.

Use these strategies, and you’ll own the majority and rack up points effortlessly. That’s how to play Mexica in style!

Ready to Rule the Aztec City?

Wow. If you made it this far, congratulations—you’re now more prepared for Mexica than my cousin Phil was for his tequila-fueled trip to Cancun (he lost his shoes and dignity). Pick your districts smart, dig those canals with gusto, and don’t let your friends hog the temples. Whether you win or just laugh at your own “strategic mistakes,” remember: it’s all about having fun. Happy building—and don’t forget to gloat with style!

If you need a refresher on How To Play mexica, scroll up. Trust me, your rivals will thank you (or maybe not).

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