The Abyss

A shoving match into the void.

SET UP

• 1 x 5x5 modular square grid board

• 2 sets of 6 colored stones.

• The game starts on an open field with all 12 stones randomly placed.

• Random draw determines which player has the opening decision.

Number of Players

• 2

Objective

• To be the Player with the most surviving stones on the board.

• It is possible for this game to end in a tie.

Rules

• Once the first Player is determined, they have 2 choices.

  1. They can decide which color to play as, OR

  2. The sequence of play. (which player moves first)

• Once they have made their selection, the second Player get to decide the latter.

• Regardless of which Player starts, move one of your stones in any adjacent direction to push all the opponent’s stones off the edge of the board.

• You can push multiple stones off in a single move.

• You can push one of your own stones to assist in pushing an opponent off the board, but not push your own off the edge. (That would be Defeatus.)

• If you are not able to push an opponent piece off, you must pass.

• The game ends when both players have exhausted their move options.

• The number of stones each player has left is their final score. High score wins.

Player Variations

• The Abyss can be played on a smaller 4x4 modular square grid. (I prefer it played on a smaller arena.)

History

• The Abyss is a modern marvel created in 2002 by Walter Joris.

Game Theory / Game Dynamics

• This game in the 4x4 version, is in my Tic -Tac-Tornado pack, and proudly resides on The Abstract Avalanche, The Sticks and Stones Series game shelves.

• If you get the first choice, consider what is important. (Revert back to Tic-Tac-Toe lessons for a recap.)

• What makes this game great is the pace. The game is over in under a minute, easily reset, and ready to play again.

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