El Grande is an award-winning area control strategy board game that plunges players into the political intrigue of medieval Spain. As powerful Grandes, players vie for dominance over the kingdom’s regions while the king’s influence wanes, using clever strategy and tactical foresight to expand their power.
 
Over nine intense rounds, you draft caballeros (knights) into your court and strategically place them across the board to gain majority control of regions. Each round, selecting one of your 13 power cards determines both turn order and the number of caballeros you can recruit from the general supply, adding layers of planning and anticipation.
 
On your turn, you choose from five action cards, each offering unique abilities to move caballeros into regions, the secretive castillo tower, or even shift the king himself, which changes the dynamics of power across the board. The careful placement of knights and timely use of action cards is crucial, as control of regions, especially those housing your Grande or the king, yields valuable bonus points.
 
Scoring occurs every third round, with the final tally after the ninth round determining the victorious Grande. With its elegant blend of strategic depth, tactical decision-making, and the thrill of political maneuvering, El Grande is a timeless classic in area control games, perfect for players seeking a rich, competitive experience filled with intrigue and clever strategy.