Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar - Board game

Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar

Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar is a strategic worker placement game in which players lead a Maya tribe. Its unique rotating gear–calendar mechanism constantly determines which actions are available, making planning and timing essential every turn.

Key Features:

• Dynamic Gear-Calendar Mechanic: A large central Tzolk’in gear connected with five smaller gears that rotate after each full round; workers riding these gears gain access to increasingly powerful actions the longer they wait.

• Worker Placement with Time Pressure: You either place workers on the lowest vacant gear spaces or pick them up; choosing when to retrieve them involves strategy, risk, and reward.

• Multiple Paths to Victory: Build monuments, accumulate resources, gain favor with the gods, transport crystal skulls – all offer ways to score.

• Temples & Food Days: At intervals (Food Days), you must feed your workers with corn; temple standings are evaluated, giving material rewards or victory points depending on phase.

• High-quality Components: Six interlocking board pieces, wooden cubes and blocks for resources, plastic crystal skulls, dual-age buildings etc.

• Player Count, Duration & Age: Designed for 2-4 players (best with 3-4), about 60-90 minutes playtime, recommended for ages 12-13+.

• Strategic Depth & Decision Making: Balancing immediate vs delayed rewards, managing resources, timing your moves and worker retrievals to maximize benefit.

Why Choose Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar?

Tzolk’in offers an ingenious twist on the worker placement genre by making time itself a core dynamic. Every gear rotation matters, every turn shapes future options. With rich strategy, beautiful components, and variety in victory paths, it’s perfect for players who enjoy thoughtful planning, risk management, and deep gameplay.