Medici vs Strozzi

Overview

Medici vs Strozzi is a two-player trading and bidding game by Reiner Knizia, a streamlined adaptation of the original Medici. One player represents the Medici family and the other the Strozzi family, competing across three rounds. On each turn, one player sets a market price for commodity tiles, and the opponent must either accept the price or let the setter buy at their own price. Players load ships with goods and score based on commodity values and commodity track positions.

Components

• 1 game board with scoring tracks and commodity tracks
• Commodity tiles (various goods with values)
• 2 ship mats (one per player)
• Scoring markers
• Commodity tracking markers

Setup

1. Place the board between both players.
2. Each player takes a ship mat and scoring markers.
3. Shuffle commodity tiles face down.
4. Place tracking markers at starting positions.
5. The Medici player starts the first round.

Turn Structure

The game is played over 3 rounds. Each round:

1. Players alternate as the “market setter.”
2. The setter draws 1-3 commodity tiles and sets a price.
3. The opponent decides whether to buy at that price or pass.
4. If the opponent passes, the setter must buy at their stated price.
5. Continue until both ships are full or tiles run out.
6. Score the round.

Actions

Setting the Market

• Draw 1, 2, or 3 tiles from the face-down supply, revealing each.
• Announce a price (in florins) for the group.
• Your opponent decides: buy at that price, or let you buy at that price.

Loading Ships

• The buyer places purchased tiles on their ship mat.
• Ships have limited capacity (5 spaces).
• Once a ship is full, that player takes no more tiles for the round.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

End of Round Scoring

• Ship value: Compare total tile values on ships. Higher total earns more florins.
• Commodity tracks: Move markers up per number of tiles of each commodity type purchased. Highest position on each track earns bonus florins.
• Track bonuses: Reaching upper levels earns additional bonuses.

After 3 rounds, the player with the most florins wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• The Medici player starts round 1; the Strozzi player starts rounds 2 and 3.
• If the setter draws tiles but the opponent cannot afford them, the setter may be forced to buy.
• Commodity track positions carry over between rounds.
• A gold tile (value 10) exists and is highly valuable but does not count for commodity tracks.
• The starting player alternates to balance advantage.

Player Reference

Turn: Setter draws 1-3 tiles -> Sets price -> Opponent buys or passes (setter buys if opponent passes)

Ship capacity: 5 tiles per ship

Scoring: Ship value ranking + Commodity track positions + Track bonuses

Game length: 3 rounds; most florins wins