Orloj: The Prague Astronomical Clock Rules Reference
Set around 1865 Prague, players are clockmakers constructing the famous Orloj astronomical clock. From their workshops, players build zodiac signs, calendar months, and apostle figures. The game features a unique dual-dial mechanism where rotating the astronomical dial and Orloj clock face determines available actions each turn. Worker placement, resource management, and mastery track advancement combine in an interlocking euro-style design.
Objective
To have the most Victory Points (VP) at the end of the game.
How to Play
On each turn, choose one of two options: Activate the Clock Mechanism (requires at least one available worker) or Pass. Regardless of your choice, you may perform any number of Additional Actions at any point during your turn. You may also exchange 3 identical basic resources for 1 gold at any time during your turn.
Tips for New Players
- Focus on Two Mastery Tracks: Avoid spreading yourself across all three mastery tracks. It is more effective to focus on two. Any combination can work, but some will be stronger depending on which common objectives and mastery stained-glass windows are in play.
- Prioritize Common Objectives: Pay attention to common stained-glass-window objectives. Being the first to claim them grants bonus rewards and additional scoring opportunities.
- Manage Your Deviation Tokens: Avoid completely exhausting your deviation tokens. Use the moon to correct deviations when needed. Passing is not always bad as it activates the moon.
- Plan Construction Carefully: Before constructing, observe which bonus you want from the calendar sections and check if you have the necessary resources before evaluating all options in the construction zone.
- Gold Is Versatile: Gold can substitute for any basic resource. You can exchange 3 identical basic resources for 1 gold at any time during your turn. Coins can also substitute for basic resources but NOT for gold.
- Worker Recovery from Calendar: Workers can normally be recovered only from the clock. Recovering them from the calendar may result in earning fewer VP at the end of the game since you lose the adjacency group.
- Enjoy Your First Games: Orloj is a complex game. Try to enjoy it in your first few games before attempting to evaluate every possibility to win.