Dots

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Dots ( Polish Kropki , Russian Tochki ) is an abstract strategic paper-and-pencil game for two players.

A start of the game
Game situation

regulate

  • The board is a square grid, you can use squared paper . The board size is not fixed, usually you choose a square or rectangular area of ​​approx. 30 × 40 to 40 × 60 points.
  • The players alternately mark an as yet unmarked grid point (corner of the box) with their color. The grid point must not be inside an area (enclosed by an area line).
  • after marking, the player can optionally draw any number of area lines. The following applies:
    • A line runs in sections from one point of the player to the next that is orthogonally or diagonally adjacent in the grid, i.e. along the edge of a box or diagonally through a box. The line must not run over an unmarked point or a point marked by the opponent.
    • A line must be closed in a ring, whereby you can use your own lines drawn in earlier moves as part of a new line.
    • A line cannot cross another line or run inside an area. However, it may completely enclose another area. If this belongs to the enemy, it becomes its own territory.
    • A newly drawn line must include at least one opposing point that is not yet in its own area at the time.
  • The game ends when no more points can be marked. The player in whose areas there are more opposing points wins.

If the game begins with an empty playing area (no point marked yet) and a player only draws his points on the edge or in such a way that they are connected to the edge by a chain of his points, then none of his points can ever be enclosed by the opponent. This is why some points are usually pre-marked near the center of the board, e.g. B. two of each color on the opposite corners of a box (cross).

To shorten the end phase of the game, an additional rule is often used, according to which a player can end the game at any time, after which the opponent can continue playing alone. The opponent then receives all points not yet included that have no connection to the edge of the board. So if a player has already captured more points and anchored them on the edge of the board than the opponent can get at all, then he can win the game immediately with this rule.

variants

Kropki na dwie kratki
  • An alternative counting rule provides that all points inside an area count in the final bill, including unmarked and own.
  • In a variant, which is called Kropki na dwie kratki in Polish , a section of an area line can also be drawn between points at a knight's jump distance or over an unmarked point (double orthogonal or diagonal line). This variant favors offensive play.

Web links

Commons : Dots  - album with pictures, videos and audio files