Azul Duel: A Worthy Spin on the Classic Azul

Azul Duel takes the beautiful, strategic mechanics of the original Azul and breaks it down into a fantastic two-player experience. The very popular acrylic components that made the original Azul so appealing are present here again, maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship that fans have come to love. The game continues to be a treat to play, with the vibrant colors and tactile pieces that elevate the experience. Just now, it’s available in a two player variant.

It is worth noting before we go deeper that all of the versions of Azul are playable at two-players, and many of them are a lot of fun with two. This one, though, is tailored to two, so should in theory provide a better experience.

The most notable improvement in Azul Duel is the increased strategic depth and flexibility it offers. Unlike the original Azul, where you could often predict who would be stuck with the leftover tiles, Azul Duel provides more opportunities to avoid the dreaded tile penalty.

The introduction of the “dome plates” is an innovative feature that allows you to react and change your strategies based on the tiles available in the factories. This element of flexibility adds a layer of strategy that makes each game feel unique and dynamic (and potentially a bit less frustrating if done right), and it’s a welcome shift from the rigid color-placement rules of the base game.

That said, Azul Duel does come with a few minor drawbacks. The folded boards are thinner than expected, and they struggle to lay flat during gameplay, which can be a bit frustrating. The collapsible tower designed for holding the used tiles was unfortunately not well executed. It doesn’t fit neatly into the game box, making storage cumbersome.

This is just a little bit of a letdown considering the otherwise great design of the game. This is one of those situations where everything is almost right except that one thing. Mind you, that doesn’t really impact the enjoyability of the game that much, just might create some frustrations for those very specific about how their games go away.

While not really a negative, it is worth noting that the setup time in Azul Duel is slightly longer than in the original, requiring a bit more effort before jumping into the action.

For all its merits, Azul Duel is still tailored specifically to two players, and while it offers some great tension and pacing, it might not necessarily replace other exceptional two-player games in your collection. If you’re someone who enjoys the flexibility of playing at 3 or 4 players, the original Azul or Summer Pavilion might be a better fit for your collection.

The larger player count in those games brings an exciting dynamic that Azul Duel doesn’t quite match. That being said, if you happen to play almost exclusively two players, or want something specifically tailored for two, this is a wonderful option in the Azul lineup.

All in all, Azul Duel is an enjoyable and strategic experience for two players, and it’s a solid alternative for fans of the Azul series who want something tailored to smaller groups. However, if you’re looking for a game that can easily adapt to multiple player counts, the base Azul or Summer Pavilion may offer a more well-rounded experience.