ELEMENT OF THE WEEK: THE BRIDGESEach week, a specific element from an expansion is chosen for deeper discussion. This is an opportunity for you, Carcassonne's biggest English-language fans, to discuss strategies and problems you have encountered through the years regarding specific expansion elements. All forms of critique – from the most joyous to the most scathing – are encouraged.
This week's element is
THE BRIDGES (from Bridges, Castles & Bazaars [Expansion #8]). Bridges are one of the many fairly straight-forward elements that still leaves some people scratching their heads. Each player receives a set number of Bridges at the start of the game. During the game, on a turn, a player may place a tile with a Field beside a tile with an open Road so long as they also place a Bridge atop it. The Bridge takes over the function of the Road for all intents and purposes (and Robbers can be placed atop it). The bridge can't interfere with any other feature (e.g., it cannot go atop another Road or atop a City) and it can only run from one side of the tile to the other (i.e., no diagonals). Fairly uniquely among wooden bits, players are allowed to both place a Bridge and a Follower on the same turn. Additionally, Bridges were not restricted to the tile just placed but to adjacent tiles as well.
When this expansion first released, the very concept of Bridges seemed audacious. And yet their benefits were obvious. Players could finally fill some of the difficult gaps on the board. They could also expand or maintain large Farms since the Farms always passed beneath the Bridge. This led to a huge new strategy of connecting Fields through strategic Bridge placements. And while the use of Bridges can be difficult and their aesthetic beauty can be lacking, their strategic merits are undeniable. Discuss your relationship with The Bridge and how you optimise your use of this strategic element.
Next Week: The Goldmines
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