Bamogo

Multiplayer Tic-Tac-Toe for points.

SET UP

• 1 x 4x4 modular square grid board

• A total of 16 colored stones. 5,5, and 6 of a third color.

• A score disc with unique game markers for each Player.

• The game starts on an open field.

• Random draw determines which player has the first turn.

• Game play moves clockwise.

Number of Players

• Any number of Players.

Objective

• To create stretches of 3 in a row worth 1 point each.

• 3 in a rows can be made horizontally , vertically, or diagonally.

• Ultimately, to be the first player to obtain a cumulative high score of X.

Rules

• The 3 colors of stones are available to all Players.

• On your turn you can either place 2 different colors adjacent to each other, OR swap the positions of 2 different colored stones adjacent to each other.

• If you are able to create 3 in a row of any color, it is worth 1 point each, marked on the score disc.

• Only count points if the stones that were placed or swapped were involved. A 3 in row left intact from a previous turn are not included.

• It is possible to create multiple 3 in a rows on a single turn, each worth 1 point each.

• If you are able to string 4 stones in a row, it is worth 2 points, (1 point for each internal string of 3.)

• Once all stones are placed, the Ko rule is in effect. Meaning you cannot undo the previous swap.

• Play continues clockwise until one Player has reached the predetermined winning score.

Player Variations

• Bamogo is a fun game because it can be played by any number of players and for any predetermined high score goal.

History

• Bamogo is a Modern Marvel by Peer Sylvester, originally designed in 2010. His game is different in the objective of obtaining a single 4 in a row. Does that make my version an original?

Game Theory / Game Dynamics

• This game is in my Tic -Tac-Tornado pack, and proudly resides on The Abstract Avalanche, The Sticks and Stones Series game shelves.

• Bamogo is cool because it takes the simplicity of Tic-Tac-Toe to another level. You can’t help but have to think about your moves to maximize points.

• In the early placement phase, be very mindful of the number of the remaining colored stones that are left, and the placement positions. If you don’t, your game board won’t and can’t be fully populated. Remember, on your turn you need to place 2 different colors, and adjacent (side by side) to each other. In any event the game continues with or without a fully populated board.

• A little trash talking seems to find its way into the conversation when someone screws the board for everyone else.

I hope you enjoy playing games,
as much as I have making them.