The Pillars of the Earth: Builders Duel

Race a rival to finish your cathedral or fortress by drafting cards and upgrading raw materials.

Designer: Stefan Feld
Published by: Filosofia Éditions
Editions by: Mayfair Games, KOSMOS

This is a two-player card duel set in the world of Ken Follett's novel, not the big board game of the same name. One of you builds a cathedral, the other a fortress, and the first to finish wins. Each building has three sections, and each section needs its own combination of materials. You get those materials with action cards, and other action cards upgrade them: iron into bells, sand into cement, wool into cloth. Cards are drafted and bid for, so both of you are always reading what the other needs. A 2009 game of about 45 minutes, easy to carry and a good fit for couples who like a bit of planning.

Cathedral against fortress, three sections eachUpgrade iron to bells, sand to cement, wool to clothOpen drafting and bidding for cards

Who it's for

You want a compact two-player card game with a medieval building theme and some bidding to outwit your partner.

Not for you if…

You expect the full Pillars of the Earth board game, or you play with more than two. This is a short, separate card duel.

Vibe's take

Tidy and tense. You are bidding on the same cards your opponent needs, and every upgrade is a small step in a race that both of you can see.