Azul is a tactile abstract strategy game where players compete to become the best tile-laying artisan for the Royal Palace of Evora. Each round, players draft colorful “azulejo” tiles from various “factory displays” or a central pool, strategically taking all tiles of one color from a chosen location. These drafted tiles are then placed onto “pattern lines” on their individual player boards, aiming to complete rows. At the end of the round, completed pattern lines allow one tile to be moved to the permanent “wall” mosaic, scoring points based on its adjacency to other tiles, while any excess or unusable tiles result in negative points. The game is a clever blend of set collection, pattern building, and tactical drafting, where players must balance optimizing their own board with denying opponents crucial tiles, leading to a satisfying and elegant puzzle that rewards careful planning and adaptability.