Master Agon: Unveiling Rules, Instructions, and Winning Strategies
1. Introduction
Agon, also known as Queen’s Guard, is a strategy board game that originated in France in the 19th century. It is played on a hexagonal board with 14 squares per side, totaling 91 individual squares. Each player has one queen and six guards. The objective of the game is to be the first to maneuver one’s queen and her guards to the center of the board, forming a specific pattern known as ‘Agon‘.

2. Rules for playing Agon
- Agon is played by two players, each starting with one queen and six guards.
- The game begins with the pieces off the board. Players alternate turns, either introducing a new piece onto the board or moving a piece already on the board.
- Pieces move one step at a time to an adjacent point along a line.
- The queen can move in any direction, but the guards can only move forward or sideways, not backward.
- A player can block the opponent’s piece by occupying the adjacent points around it.
- The game ends when a player forms the ‘Agon‘ in the center of the board. This formation consists of the queen on the center point, surrounded by her six guards on the surrounding points.
3. How to Win at Agon
Winning at Agon requires strategic planning and careful maneuvering of your pieces. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Control the Center: The center of the board is the key to winning the game. Try to control it as early as possible.
- Block Your Opponent: Use your guards to block your opponent’s pieces, preventing them from reaching the center.
- Protect Your Queen: Your queen is your most important piece. Keep her protected with your guards at all times.
- Plan Ahead: Always think a few moves ahead. Try to anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan your strategy accordingly.
- Be Flexible: Be ready to change your strategy if the situation calls for it. Adaptability is key in Agon.
4. Best Strategies for playing Agon game
The best strategies for playing Agon involve a combination of offense and defense. Here are some tips:
- Offensive Strategy: Try to reach the center of the board as quickly as possible. The faster you get there, the more advantage you have.
- Defensive Strategy: Use your guards to block your opponent’s pieces. This can slow them down and give you more time to reach the center.
- Balanced Strategy: A combination of offense and defense can be very effective. Try to balance your moves between advancing your pieces and blocking your opponent’s.
5. Scenarios for Agon
There are many possible scenarios in Agon, each requiring a different strategy. Here are some common ones:
- Early Game: In the early game, focus on getting your pieces onto the board and advancing them towards the center.
- Mid Game: In the mid game, you should have a good position on the board. Now is the time to start blocking your opponent’s pieces and protecting your queen.
- Late Game: In the late game, the center of the board will be highly contested. Use your guards to protect your queen and try to form the ‘Agon‘.
- Stalemate: In a stalemate, neither player can make a winning move. In this case, the game is a draw.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about playing Agon game
- Q: Can a guard move backward? A: No, guards can only move forward or sideways, not backward.
- Q: What happens if a piece is blocked? A: If a piece is blocked by the opponent’s pieces, it cannot move until the block is removed.
- Q: Can the queen move without her guards? A: Yes, the queen can move independently of her guards.
- Q: What is the ‘Agon’? A: The ‘Agon‘ is the winning formation. It consists of the queen on the center point, surrounded by her six guards on the surrounding points.
- Q: What happens in a stalemate? A: In a stalemate, neither player can make a winning move. The game is a draw.
External Links
For more information about Agon, visit the official game website here.

A digital native around since the early days of online gaming communities around 2001. An early contributor to the cult gaming site ClanTemplates, Adam has spent years giving free gaming resources to the community. With BoardCards, Adam is most experienced and commonly writing the articles on Strategy multi-player games like Settlers of Catan and Avalon. His first introduction to board games was via Mancala, an Egyptian-origin stone game and one of the oldest known games still played worldwide. Contact me via email