Currently my favourite game and I am always happy to play/teach it.

Here’s my take on it:

If you’re a fan of historically rich euro-style board games with a solid economic engine, Kutná Hora: The City of Silver deserves a spot on your table. Published by Czech Games Edition and designed by Ondřej Bystroň, Petr Čáslava, and Pavel Jarosch, this game transports 2 to 4 players to the booming silver mining town of Kutná Hora in the 14th century.

As rival guild leaders, players must strategically develop the city, extract silver, and manipulate a highly dynamic market system to achieve dominance. Let’s explore what makes this game shine, from gameplay mechanics to winning strategies—and whether any variants exist to keep it fresh.

The Gameplay – Economics Meets Urban Planning (in the 14th Century)

At its core, Kutná Hora is about influence. Each player is aligned with three of six guilds, determining which buildings they can construct and how they’ll earn income. These guilds (e.g., builders, miners, artisans) all feed into a broader, interconnected economy where every decision shifts the market.

Each round, players choose one of six dual-sided action cards to play, with each card offering two potential actions. This forces constant prioritization: will you expand your mining operation or construct a lucrative guild hall? Will you take a turn for income, or invest in developing Saint Barbara’s Cathedral for long-term prestige?

It’s a game of trade-offs. Every action impacts the city—and the market.

The Dynamic Economy – Supply, Demand, and Chaos

What sets Kutná Hora apart is its real-time, player-driven economy. The game includes an innovative dual-tracking system (affectionately called the “cardboard computer”) that tracks supply and demand. Build too many artisan shops, and prices for their goods will plummet. Mine too much silver, and its market value will drop. If supply outpaces demand, you’ll quickly find yourself in an economic spiral.

This makes every player action significant. You’re not just optimizing your own engine—you’re influencing the market for everyone else, for better or worse. Its cutthroat economics disguised in a medieval cloak.

Strategy Tips – How to Thrive in the Silver Rush

1. Play the Market, Not Just the Map
Always keep an eye on supply-demand shifts. Building too many of the same type of structure can tank your profits. Spread your investments across different guilds and be flexible in your approach.

2. Don’t Ignore the Cathedral
Saint Barbara’s Cathedral isn’t just flavor text. Contributing to its construction earns you points and influence while helping you avoid excessive taxes later in the game. It’s often overlooked by newer players but can swing games.

3. Timing is Everything
The action card system forces tough decisions. Efficient card use is essential. Try to plan your turns two or three moves ahead, especially when aiming to chain actions like acquiring a building permit and immediately constructing.

4. Adapt or Die
Don’t fall in love with a long-term plan. This game rewards tactical flexibility. If another player floods the market with silver, pivot to construction or tax advantages. Rigidity will cost you.

Official & Unofficial Variants – What Else Is Out There?

There are no full expansions or spin-offs (yet), but the game includes built-in scaling mechanics for different player counts. In 2-player games, for instance, a tighter, alternate board layout creates more direct competition.

The game also includes event cards—optional in higher player counts—that add unique economic and political twists to each round. These inject variability and replayability without overcomplicating the game.

Unofficial Variants & Fan Content

As of now, the fanbase is still growing, and there aren’t any widely adopted unofficial variants. However, some players have experimented with house rules that tweak taxation, building bonuses, or even simulate AI opponents in solo mode. If you’re into homebrewing, there’s definitely room to explore here.

Insider Insight: Unreleased Expansions

I’ve personally had the opportunity to playtest 2/3 expansion concepts that were developed internally by the Kutná Hora team. While these ideas showed promise and added interesting layers to the core game, they were ultimately not released or developed further.

It’s a testament to how much thought the designers put into balancing complexity, theme, and accessibility. Who knows—maybe those ideas will resurface in future editions.

Components, Theme, and Aesthetic

The game is beautifully produced, featuring eco-friendly RE-Wood components and dual-layer player boards. The main board captures the feel of a medieval city expanding organically, though some players have noted that reflective surfaces on tiles can occasionally hinder visibility under bright lights.

The theme is immersive without being overpowering. The historical backdrop enriches the game without slowing it down—perfect for players who like a touch of narrative in their euros.

Final Thoughts

Kutná Hora: The City of Silver is a masterclass in economic strategy and city-building. With its compelling theme, unique economic system, and intricate action planning, it offers a deep, satisfying challenge for players who love making meaningful decisions every turn.

It’s not a light game—and it’s not trying to be. But for the right group, it offers hours of rewarding gameplay that feels different every time you play.

Whether you’re chasing silver, expanding guild influence, or building your legacy stone by stone, Kutná Hora gives you the tools to carve your place in history.