Players represent competing kingdoms, intent on conquering territory in China.

Each player receives a number of pagodas, which come in four different colours: black, white, green and purple.

On their turn, each player places a tile consisting of two squares on the board.

Contiguous areas of at least five squares count as large counties, marked with a double pagoda.

These are neutral at first, but become affiliated with whatever county touches them, with the player placing an additional pagoda on the village.