The first time I played Alhambra, I really wasn't impressed at all.
But, the next time I played it, it all started to come together & I have enjoyed every game since.

It's a fairly simple game.
Obtain currency to purchase tiles to build your Alhambra.

On their turn a player may either,

Obtain currency
There are four different currency types (ranging in value from 1 to 9), of which four cards are available.
The player can take multiple currency cards whose combined value does not exceed 5 or may take 1 card with a value of 5 or more.

Purchase tiles to build their Alhambra
There are four building tiles assigned to one of each of the four currencies.
The player can purchase tiles for their cost in the currency of market position they are currently in.
If purchases are made for the exact value, the player takes another turn.

The purchased tiles are then placed within the player's Alhambra.
The sides of the newly placed tile must match those that they are placed next to.
The main rule of placement is that the newly placed tile must be accessible from the starting fountain, with having to step off the tiles of the player's Alhambra.

A player can also choose to store tiles, or add tiles to their Alhambra from storage.

Points are awarded at the end of each of each round (3) for having the most of the various tile colours & for each player's longest wall.

My Thoughts
Not really much there, but it works.

There is strategy,
- do you claim the largest currency or the small currency(s) to try to improve your chances of exact purchases?
- do you purchase a tile to further your own cause or to hinder your opponent(s)?
- do you purchase a tile to open up your Alhambra or close it to increase the length of your longest wall?

There is the joy of getting the tile you need & of your plans coming together.
There is the frustration of working to a purchase, only to find the tile purchased by another #$%^%& player.

It can appear that there is a lot of luck (what currency & tiles are available on your turn), but I think that the hallmark of such games is what you do with what you get & making the most of what you have.

It should also be noted that it works surprisingly well as a 2 player game, thanks to "Dirk".

In short, I am glad to have Alhambra on my shelf & enjoy getting it to the table.