Blokus Duo: 101 Guide to Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategy
Introduction
Blokus Duo, a game that’s about strategy and spatial thinking. It’s a two-player version of the original Blokus game, which has been around since 2000. The game was created by Bernard Tavitian and is published by Mattel. Blokus Duo, I find, is perfect for when you and a friend want to challenge each other in a quick battle of wits. The goal is simple: you need to place as many of your pieces on the board as possible while blocking your opponent from doing the same.
It’s like a colorful puzzle where you’re both trying to fit your pieces in the best spots. The game ends when both players can’t place any more pieces, and then you count up the squares to see who’s the winner. It’s a game that’s easy to learn but can take some time to get really good at. So let’s dive in and see what makes Blokus Duo such a fun and challenging game!
Quick Tip for Blokus Duo
Always think ahead! Try to plan your moves to give yourself options and to limit your opponent’s space.
Rules for playing Blokus Duo
Alright, let’s get into the rules of Blokus Duo. The game comes with a board that has a 14×14 grid and each player has 21 pieces, all different shapes made up of one to five squares. You start by placing a piece in your corner of the board. Each new piece you place must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners. No flat edges can touch. This is key to finding space on the board and blocking your opponent.
Players take turns putting down pieces. If you can’t place a piece, you pass, and the game goes on until both players can’t place any more pieces. At the end, you count the number of squares in your remaining pieces. The player with the least number of squares left wins. If a player places all their pieces, they get a bonus, subtracting 15 points from their total. If the last piece placed is the smallest one, they subtract an additional 5 points. So, the lower your score, the better!
Equipment and Setup for Blokus Duo
For Blokus Duo, you need the game board and the 42 colored pieces, 21 for each player. You can buy the game, or if you’re feeling creative, you could make your own board and pieces. Just make sure the board is a 14×14 grid and the pieces match the shapes of the official game.
Setup is easy. The board starts empty. Each player chooses a color and takes all the pieces of that color. You decide who goes first, and then you’re ready to play. The first piece for each player must cover a corner square of the board.
How to Play Blokus Duo and Game Mechanics
Playing Blokus Duo is all about placing your pieces on the board strategically. Here’s a breakdown of how a typical game goes:
- Setup: Place the board between the two players and choose your colors. Put your first piece on your corner square.
- Gameplay: Take turns placing pieces on the board. Remember, each new piece must touch at least one piece of your color, but only at the corners.
- End of the Game: When both players can’t place any more pieces, the game ends. Count the squares in your remaining pieces to find your score. The player with the lowest score wins.
How to Win at Blokus Duo
Winning at Blokus Duo takes a mix of offense and defense. You want to spread out your pieces to give yourself room to play later in the game. At the same time, you need to watch what your opponent is doing and try to block them without messing up your own game. It’s a delicate balance. You also want to use your biggest pieces early because they’re harder to place later on when the board is more full.
Best Strategies for playing Blokus Duo game
One of the best strategies for succeeding in Blokus Duo is to begin by placing pieces towards the center of the board to maximize your options for future moves. It’s crucial to maintain flexibility with your piece placement, aiming to keep multiple corners of your pieces available for expansion. You should also endeavor to block your opponent’s progression while always being cautious not to inadvertently create opportunities for them.
As the game progresses, it becomes increasingly important to plan several moves ahead, anticipating your opponent’s potential placements and preparing to counter them. Additionally, saving smaller pieces for the endgame can prove advantageous, as they are easier to fit into the remaining spaces when the board becomes more crowded.
By balancing offensive and defensive tactics, maintaining spatial awareness, and carefully managing your pieces, you can increase your chances of controlling more of the board and ultimately winning the game.
Here are some general strategies to help you win at Blokus Duo:
- Start from the corners and work your way in. This gives you more options for placing pieces later.
- Use your biggest pieces first. They’re harder to place when the board gets crowded.
- Keep an eye on your opponent. Try to predict their moves and block them if you can.
- Keep your pieces spread out. This gives you more options and makes it harder for your opponent to block you.
- Save a few small pieces for the endgame. They can fit into small spaces when the board is almost full.
Scenarios
Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a tough spot in Blokus Duo. Maybe your opponent has blocked you in, or you’re running out of space for your pieces. When this happens, try to stay calm and look for the smallest opening. Even a single square can be a game-changer if you can fit a piece there. And remember, sometimes the best move is to block your opponent, even if it doesn’t seem like it helps you right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I move a piece after I’ve placed it?
A: No, once a piece is on the board, it stays there for the rest of the game. - Q: What if I can’t place any more pieces?
A: If you can’t place a piece, you pass your turn. The game continues until both players can’t place any more pieces. - Q: Can pieces of the same color touch each other?
A: Yes, but only at the corners. Edges cannot touch. - Q: What happens if we both have the same score at the end?
A: If there’s a tie, the player who placed the most pieces wins. If there’s still a tie, then it’s a draw. - Q: Can I skip a turn even if I can place a piece?
A: No, you must place a piece if you can. You only pass when you can’t place any more pieces.
External Links
For more information on Blokus Duo, check out these links:
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
