7 Wonders (2nd edition)

The game unfolds over three ages, each with its own deck of cards. Each player receives a hand of seven cards and simultaneously with the others chooses one card to play, to commit to a step of their wonder, or to sell for three coins, after which everyone passes their remaining hand to their neighbor. The cards represent buildings in six categories: raw materials, civic buildings, commercial buildings, military structures, scientific institutions, and guilds, and many of them can be built for free if you already have the correct prerequisite. At the end of each age, you compare your shield symbols with both neighbors, which yields military points or penalty points. After three ages, you tally everything: buildings, wonder steps, military victories, science symbols, and gold.

7 Wonders is the most awarded board game of all time, with over 30 international awards, including the 2011 Kennerspiel des Jahres. The 2020 second edition features stunning new artwork by Miguel Coimbra, larger wonder boards, more intuitive card setup, and subtle balancing adjustments—the feel remains identical to the original. The game's greatest strength is its simultaneous, zero-wait play for up to seven players, thanks to the simultaneous card drafting mechanism. Critics have noted that the final score can be difficult to predict—with so many scoring routes, your choices aren't always reflected in the outcome—and that seat position can affect odds. For those seeking an elegant, fast-paced, and versatile civilization game that also works well with large groups, 7 Wonders remains an absolute classic and a must-have addition to any boardroom.