Blokus: Mastering the Art of Strategic Gameplay – Rules, Winning Strategies and Play Instructions

1. Introduction

Blokus is a strategic board game that challenges spatial thinking. Designed by Bernard Tavitian and first released by Sekkoïa company in 2000, it has since gained popularity worldwide. The game is played on a square board divided into 20 rows and 20 columns, for a total of 400 squares. There are a total of 84 game tiles, divided into 21 shapes in each of four colors: blue, yellow, red, and green.

The 21 shapes are based on free polyominoes, shapes made by joining unit squares edge to edge, ranging from one square to five. The objective of the game is to place as many of your pieces on the board as possible, while strategically blocking your opponents from doing the same.

2. Rules for playing Blokus

1. Each player chooses a color and takes the 21 pieces of that color. The order of play is as follows: blue, yellow, red, green.
2. The first piece played by each player must cover a corner square.
3. Each new piece played must be placed so that it touches at least one piece of the same color, with only corner-to-corner contact allowed – edges cannot touch.
4. There are no restrictions on how pieces of different colors can touch each other.
5. If a player cannot place a piece, they pass their turn. The game ends when no one can place a piece.
6. When the game ends, each player counts the squares in their remaining pieces (a piece covering four squares counts as four, and so on) and subtracts this from 89. The player with the highest score wins.

While these are the official rules, many players develop ‘house rules’ for variations of the game, such as allowing edge-to-edge contact or using a different board layout.

3. How to Win at Blokus

Winning at Blokus requires a balance of offensive and defensive play. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Corner Play: Always try to keep your pieces in the corners. This will give you more options for future moves.
2. Blockade: Try to block your opponents as much as possible. This can be done by placing your pieces in such a way that it makes it difficult for your opponent to make a legal move.
3. Offensive Play: Don’t just focus on blocking your opponents. Make sure to spread your pieces across the board to increase your chances of winning.
4. Defensive Play: Protect your territory by placing your pieces in such a way that it makes it difficult for your opponents to invade.
5. Use of Small Pieces: Save your small pieces for the end of the game. They can be a lifesaver when space becomes limited.

4. Best Strategies for playing Blokus game

The best strategies for playing Blokus involve a combination of offensive and defensive play. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Spread Out: Try to cover as much territory as possible. This will give you more options for future moves and make it harder for your opponents to block you.
2. Block Opponents: Use your pieces to block your opponents’ potential moves. This can limit their options and give you an advantage.
3. Save Small Pieces: Save your small pieces for the end of the game. They can be used to fill in small gaps that your larger pieces can’t cover.
4. Use Corners Wisely: Corners are key in Blokus. Try to place your pieces so that you have access to as many corners as possible.

5. Scenarios for Blokus

There are many different scenarios that can occur in a game of Blokus. Here are some common ones and how to handle them:

1. Blocked In: If you find yourself blocked in by your opponents, try to find a way out by using your smaller pieces. If that’s not possible, focus on filling in as much of your own territory as possible.
2. Running Out of Pieces: If you’re running out of pieces, try to use your remaining pieces to block your opponents and make it harder for them to place their pieces.
3. Running Out of Space: If the board is getting full and you’re running out of space, focus on placing your smaller pieces in the remaining gaps.
4. Leading the Game: If you’re leading the game, try to maintain your lead by blocking your opponents and spreading out your pieces.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about playing Blokus game

Q: Can I skip my turn in Blokus? A: Yes, if you cannot legally place a piece, you must pass.

Q: Can pieces of the same color touch edges? A: No, pieces of the same color can only touch at corners.

Q: What happens if no one can place a piece? A: The game ends and the player with the highest score wins.

Q: Can I move a piece once I’ve placed it? A: No, once a piece is placed, it cannot be moved.

Q: How do I count my score? A: Each player counts the squares in their remaining pieces and subtracts this from 89. The player with the highest score wins.

External Links

For more information, visit the official Blokus website here.