In The mines of Zavandor, players take the role of a candidate for the King's Throne.
They must follow the "Path to Kingship" which winds through the depths of the mountain to reach the Coronation Chamber, where the game ends. The player with the most Victory points at that time wins the game.
Each round, players receive a supply of gems from 4 different mines. They can use these to bid for profitable improvements to their mine gallery - or to upgrade the improvements they have already acquired.