Samurai

Part of the Knizia tile-laying trilogy, this game is ostensibly set in medieval Japan. Players use hexagonal tiles to surround cities, which have one to three different figures: rice paddies, buddhas, or high hats. The tiles represent influence on particular facets of the cities, and the highest influence on a figure when the city is surrounded takes that figure. The object of the game is to have more of any one else in one category, and then have the most remaining figures.

Awards

1998 Meeples' Choice Award

Online Play

• http://www.mabiweb.com (turn based)

Mobile version

Developed by Imposible s.r.o. including internet multiplayer.
Currently has a playable free beta test at:

• http://play.coolspace.cz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=37

Microbadges:

Designer Reiner Knizia Microbadges: (Buy One)

FAQ:
Q: Can a player finish playing his turn (placing more pieces) even if one of his placements captures the last piece of a type?
A: Yes.
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/22468

Q: If nobody has the most pieces of any type, what happens?
A: It depends on the rules version you have, unfortunately. According to some versions, nobody wins (you must have the most of a type to be able to win), and according to some versions the player with the most total pieces would win. (In any case, note that tying for the most in a type is not sufficient.)
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/76986

Q: Do you have to play a tile without a Japanese symbol in your turn?
A: No, you just have to play at least one tile, period.
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/2175611

Q: Can you really play Samurai with 4 players?
A: Yes, but many fans of the game don't recommend it.