Halma: A Guide to Playing the Classic Board Game – Rules, Instructions, Strategy

Jumping in to the game

Halma is a strategic board game that has been enjoyed by players around the world for over a century. The game was invented by an American surgeon, Dr. George Howard Monks, in 1883. The game’s name is derived from the Greek word ‘alma’, which means ‘jump’.

It’s easy to see the inspiration, since the main objective of the game is to move all of your pieces from one corner of the board to the opposing corner, primarily by ‘jumping’ over other pieces.

The game is typically played on a square board divided into 16×16 squares, but smaller 8×8 versions are also common, I’ve found, especially in travel editions. Each player begins with an equal number of pieces, usually 19 or 13, arranged in a dense cluster in one corner of the board. The game can be played by two or four players, with each player taking turns to move their pieces.

The gameplay mechanics are quite similar to Chinese Checkers (Sternhalma), which I’ve also written a guide on. It’s also kinda similar to all our childhood favorites, Checkers/Draughts.

Rules to help you start

1. Each player starts with all their pieces in one of the corners of the board.
2. Players take turns moving one piece at a time. A move can either be a single step to an adjacent square, or a ‘jump’ over another piece to a vacant square immediately beyond it.
3. Jumps can be made over any piece, regardless of its color, and can be chained together in a single turn to cover greater distances.
4. The game ends when one player has moved all of their pieces into the opposing corner. This player is declared the winner.

While these are the official rules, many players introduce ‘house rules’ to add variety to the game. For example, some players might agree to limit the number of jumps in a single turn, or introduce additional obstacles on the board.

Breaking down how to play

Setup

At the start of the game, each player’s pieces are arranged in one of the corners of the board. In a two-player game, the players sit opposite each other. In a four-player game, players sitting opposite each other form teams and work together to move their pieces to the opposing corners.

Gameplay

Players take turns moving their pieces. A piece can either move to an adjacent square, or ‘jump’ over another piece to a vacant square immediately beyond it. Multiple jumps can be chained together in a single turn. The aim is to move all of your pieces to the opposing corner of the board.

End of the Game

The game ends when one player (or team in a four-player game) has moved all of their pieces into the opposing corner. This player or team is declared the winner.

Winning Tips for Halma

Winning at Halma requires strategic planning and foresight. Here are some strategies that can help you win:

1. Plan your moves in advance: Try to visualize the board several moves ahead. This will allow you to plan efficient paths for your pieces and anticipate your opponent’s moves.
2. Use your pieces to block your opponent: You can slow down your opponent by positioning your pieces in their path. This forces them to spend extra turns navigating around your pieces.
3. Spread out your pieces: While it’s important to move your pieces as a group, spreading them out can make it harder for your opponent to block you.
4. Keep your back row until the end: The pieces in your back row can be used as ‘jumping points’ to quickly move your other pieces across the board. Try to keep them in place until you absolutely need to move them.

Strategies to keep in mind

While the strategies mentioned above can help you win, mastering Halma requires understanding the deeper intricacies of the game. Here are some advanced strategies:

1. Create a ‘ladder’: A ladder is a formation of pieces that allows you to quickly move your pieces across the board. To create a ladder, arrange your pieces in a zigzag pattern. This allows each piece to jump over two others in a single turn.
2. Break up your opponent’s ladder: If your opponent is trying to create a ladder, try to disrupt it by positioning your pieces in their path.
3. Use your opponent’s pieces: Remember, you can jump over any piece, not just your own. You can use your opponent’s pieces to your advantage by using them as jumping points.
4. Don’t rush: While it’s important to move your pieces quickly, rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time to consider each move carefully.

Scenarios and situations you might face

Halma is a game of strategy and there are many scenarios that can arise during play. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them:

1. You’re blocked by your opponent: If your opponent has positioned their pieces in your path, try to navigate around them or use them as jumping points.
2. Your opponent is ahead: If your opponent is ahead, try to slow them down by blocking their path. You can also try to speed up your own progress by creating a ladder.
3. You’re in a stalemate: If the game has reached a stalemate, try to break it by changing your strategy. For example, you could start moving your back row pieces or try to disrupt your opponent’s formation.

Quick Q&A for Common Questions

1. Can I jump over my own pieces? Yes, you can jump over any piece, regardless of its color.
2. Can I move backwards? Yes, you can move in any direction.
3. Can I jump over multiple pieces in a single turn? Yes, if the layout of the pieces allows it, you can chain together multiple jumps in a single turn.
4. What happens if I can’t make a move? If you can’t make a move, you must pass your turn.
5. Can the game end in a draw? No, the game continues until one player has moved all of their pieces to the opposing corner.

External Links

Play Halma Online (free, no-registration, ads)

Halma – Board Games Ep. 133 [Video]