Patolli
2 players
45 min
Light weight: Learn it in minutes
From BoardGameGeek
Patolli is an ancient Aztec board game that takes its name from the Aztec word for bean - patolli, meaning fava or kidney bean. The game is played on a curious diagonal cross-shaped board with red and blue markers and 5 bean-shaped tokens as dice. Patolli was associated with gambling and players often wagered vast treasures on its outcome. The game consists of throwing beans (dice) to bring tokens onto the board, and move them towards an exit ramp at the other end. Tokens are safe on some squares, but mostly can be "eaten" if an opposing player lands on them. The Kirk edition of the game includes a 49-page booklet on the history and background to the game.
Watch first
Which Patolli video should I watch?
Patolli has 2 videos from 2 creators: 1 review and 1 how-to-play guide. They date from 2021 to June 2023.
To learn the rules, start with "Let's play an ancient Mesoamerican game: History, art and craft activity for children" by Ancient Explorer Australia, which runs 13 min.
For an opinion before you buy, start with "Patolli - A Quick Look At An Old Mesoamerican Gambling Game" by Nangwaya.
If you like it, try Backgammon, Camel Up (Second Edition), Can't Stop or Magical Athlete, which share several of its mechanics.
All videos
Creators who cover this
Ancient Explorer Australia
1 video of this game
Nangwaya
1 video of this game
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About Patolli
From BoardGameGeek:
Patolli is an ancient Aztec board game that takes its name from the Aztec word for bean - patolli, meaning fava or kidney bean. The game is played on a curious diagonal cross-shaped board with red and blue markers and 5 bean-shaped tokens as dice. Patolli was associated with gambling and players often wagered vast treasures on its outcome. The game consists of throwing beans (dice) to bring tokens onto the board, and move them towards an exit ramp at the other end. Tokens are safe on some squares, but mostly can be "eaten" if an opposing player lands on them. The Kirk edition of the game includes a 49-page booklet on the history and background to the game.
Artist
Mirijam Ziegler
Categories
Mechanics
Betting & BluffingDice RollingRaceRoll and Move