Azul: Master Chocolatier

Azul: Master Chocolatier rules — frequently asked questions

Is this different from regular Azul?

Rules-wise, no — Master Chocolatier is a retheme of classic Azul with chocolate-styled tiles and a travel-friendly presentation. Strategy guides and rules answers for Azul apply directly.

Do I have to take every tile of the type I pick?

Yes. You take all tiles of that type from the chosen display (or from the center) — even if they don't fit your pattern lines. Anything you can't place legally goes to your floor line as penalties.

Can two different pattern lines hold the same tile type?

Yes, that's legal. The restrictions are: one type per line at a time, and you can't start a line with a type its wall row already contains.

How is a newly placed wall tile scored?

Count the continuous horizontal line of tiles it joins (including itself) and the continuous vertical line it joins (including itself). Score each direction that has 2+ tiles; a completely isolated tile scores 1. Linked both ways, a tile can score twice.

What does the first-player marker do?

The first player to take tiles from the center each round takes it. It occupies a floor-line space (usually −1 point) but guarantees you draft first next round. It's often worth the point.

What happens to incomplete pattern lines at round end?

They stay on your board as-is and carry over. Only complete lines send a tile to the wall — and only the moving tile stays; the rest of the line returns to the box lid.

What if the bag runs out of tiles?

Refill it with the discarded tiles from the box lid and continue. In the rare case both are empty, start the round with as many filled displays as you can.

Can my floor line overflow?

Yes — tiles beyond the seventh floor space go to the box lid. You only ever suffer the seven printed penalties (−1, −1, −2, −2, −2, −3, −3) in a round.

When does the game end?

The moment someone completes a horizontal row of 5 wall tiles, the current round becomes the last. Finish the round, apply bonuses (+2 per row, +7 per column, +10 per complete type), and compare scores.

Is taking tiles ever optional?

No — on your draft turn you must take tiles if any remain, even when every option hurts. Managing the endgame so opponents are forced to eat penalty tiles is a core Azul skill.