Summary
- Genres: Puzzle
Ataxx: A Deep Dive into the Abstract Strategy Game
Ataxx is an abstract strategy board game for two players, played on a 7×7 square grid. The goal of the game is to have a majority of your pieces on the board at the end of the game, by converting as many of your opponent’s pieces as possible.
The game starts with each player having two pieces, one white and one black. The pieces are placed on the four corners of the board, with white on the top left and bottom right and black on the other two. White moves first.
On their turn, a player can move one of their pieces either one or two spaces in any direction. Diagonal distances are equivalent to orthogonal distances, so a piece can move to a square that is two squares away both vertically and horizontally.
If the destination square is adjacent to the source square, a new piece is created on the empty departure square. Otherwise, the piece on the source square moves to the destination square.
After a piece has moved, all of the opponent’s pieces that are adjacent to the destination square are converted to the color of the moving player.
Players must move if possible. If a player cannot move, they must pass.
The game ends when one player has a majority of the pieces on the board.
Gameplay
Ataxx is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The game is a combination of strategy and tactics, and players must carefully consider their moves in order to win.
There are a number of different strategies that can be used to win at Ataxx. Some players prefer to play aggressively, while others prefer to play more defensively. There is no one right way to play the game, and the best strategy will vary depending on the opponent and the situation.
One of the most important things to consider in Ataxx is the position of your pieces. Pieces that are in the center of the board are more likely to be converted than pieces that are on the edge. Therefore, it is important to try to keep your pieces in the center of the board as much as possible.
Another important thing to consider is the number of pieces that you have. If you have more pieces than your opponent, you are more likely to win. Therefore, it is important to try to convert as many of your opponent’s pieces as possible.
Variants
There are a number of different variants of Ataxx. Some of the most popular variants include:
- Hex Ataxx: This variant is played on a hexagonal grid instead of a square grid.
- Cylinder Ataxx: This variant is played on a cylindrical board.
- Torus Ataxx: This variant is played on a toroidal board.
Conclusion
Ataxx is a challenging and exciting abstract strategy game that will keep you entertained for hours. With its simple rules and deep gameplay, Ataxx is a great game for both beginners and experienced gamers. If you are looking for a new abstract strategy game to play, I highly recommend Ataxx.
Tips for Beginners
- Try to keep your pieces in the center of the board.
- Try to convert as many of your opponent’s pieces as possible.
- Don’t be afraid to sacrifice pieces in order to gain an advantage.
- Think ahead and try to anticipate your opponent’s moves.
- Practice makes perfect! The more you play Ataxx, the better you will become.
Review Score
8.5/10
