Tantrix
Tantrix is an abstract strategy game played with tiles and based around the goal of forming lines of colour. Although there is a large amount of skill involved there is also an element of luck.
The game was originally invented in 1987 by Mike McManaway. This version was called The Mind Game - the name was changed to Tantrix in 1991. At this time the original plastic tiles were replaced by the now familiar bakelite versions used in the sets you can buy today.
As well as the basic game pack there are number of other versions available to buy in the stores including Tantrix Solitaire, Tantrix Xtreme and Magnetic Tantrix. You can also play online.
How to Play Tantrix
The rules of Tantrix are deceptively simple.A Tantrix set consists of 56 hexagonal tiles. Each tile contains three lines, each coloured red, yellow, blue or green. The lines cross the tile in different configurations and no two tiles are the same.
The game can be played by 2, 3 or 4 players. There are also puzzle versions designed for solo play.
Each player chooses a colour and draws six tiles which are displayed face up. The first player lays any tile. Each player in turn then plays a tile / tiles so that lines that connect are of the same colour. Players replenish their hand after each turn.
On their turn players first must fill any forced spaces. These are spaces surrounded on three sides by tiles. Filling one forced space might create another. Once there are no remaining forced spaces the player may play a single free tile of their choice. After this they must fill any newly formed forced spaces.
There are also a number of other restrictions: you are not allowed to create a forced space where all three lines entering it are of the same colour; you may not create space surrounded by four or more tiles; you may no create a situation where filling a forced space will result in a space surrounded by four or more tiles.
These last three restrictions are lifted immediately when the stock of tiles is exhausted.
When all tiles are played or no player can play a tile the game is over. The winner is the player with the longest continuous line of their colour. If a line forms a loop then it is worth double the number of tiles it contains. Only the player's highest scoring line or loop counts.
Forced spaces are the key to Tantrix strategy and can be difficult for beginners to get to grips with. When used successfully they can force your opponent to play tiles that extend your line as well give you what are in effect free plays.