Each of the 2-5 players begins the game with an indigo plant. From there, they compete to develop San Juan, building sugar, tobacco, coffee and silver plants, constructing monuments and other structures, and collecting privileges and rewards along the way. The game setup allows players to see what others are constructing and one player's move often affects another's. The game ends when one player constructs 12 buildings. It involves lots of strategy with some luck. Portable (no game board, provided scorecards not needed) and great fun, this game comes highly recommended.