which expansion to buy next?

[kieran]

Hi, a parcel just arrived this morning with the expansions GQ11 and I&C, can't wait to play them . But which expansion would people recommend to get next? I must admit I don't fancy the dragon and magic stuff as I think it goes away from the games 'historical' based idea.

[mjharper]

I'd be getting Traders and Builders next, no question about it. I can't imagine a game without the builder, and the trade goods offer a nice new mechanic—closing off other people's cities. That adds considerably to the strategy.

Then I'd probably go for Abbey and Mayor; it doesn't add anything as radical as T&B, but expands the familiar mechanics well—more meeples, for a start!

And after that I'd get hold of Count, King and Consorts. It's a compilation, but it's a compilation of pretty good stuff. Although, if you don't have any of the components, maybe this one could even come before A&M…

The other two 'big expansion' do drift away from the Carcassonne feel a bit, while the ones I mention just develop it in interesting ways. IMHO.

[EcoGuy]

I echo Matts suggestions.

Traders and Builders is by far the most liked and enjoyed expansion by the people I play with if for no other reason then the builder.

Abbey and Mayor is also really enjoyable much more so then I would have thought and would be a nice addition as well especially the play of the Abbey that lets you get out of at least one of those situations where you wait the whole game for that one card you need and you never get it.

I would go with Matt, I think you will enjoy both of them if you are already hooked on the base game!! 

[Joff]

Absolutely.

Traders and Builders is definately the way to go next, followed by Abbey and Mayor. I, like you, also am not keen on the Princess and Dragon theme, as it does move away into the realm of fantasy rather than an historical setting. However, I do like the Tower for strategic purposes.

[kieran]

Thanks guys, so Traders and Builders then Abbey and Mayor it is then.

[O.M.S.]

I would recommend the second aspect with buying expansions. That is how many tiles the expansion brings. In my first days of playing (family, 4 players) Carcassonne with 1. and 2. exp. I felt that I would need more tiles. And we bought everything. Because expansions doesn't bring only a new strategy (function) but more tiles which can be used without expansion's function. You can play with all of tiles and individual function of expansion you can implement as you like.

[Wishmaster]

Traders is by far the obvious next choice and there's a lot of it. I know what people mean regards Princess and Dragon, but I now feel it makes for a very good game. Yes, it's not Carcassonne in it's pure form, but it does give you a completely new game and a lot of fun... don't expect to high a score though!! 

[Scott]

I also agree with Matt's suggestions.

[Novelty]

I was amazed at how fun Traders and Builders transformed the basic game.  I'd definately echo everyone else's suggestion to get that next.  Besides the builder, as matt has already pointed out, trade goods give the game a completely new twist with regards to completing cities.  It is fun.

[richardbrand]

Definitely Traders and Builders. If I play a game without it now I really miss my friendly, helpful builder.

Regarding the Dragon, I am not a huge fan, but several of my friends and family particularly enjoy it, so keep an open mind I say. Mind you that is easy for me to say - I found not buying every expansion pack going to be far too challenging....

[Gantry]

Traders & Builders rocks