Objective
Pentago is a strategic board game where the goal is to be the first player to align five of their own marbles in a row. This row can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
Components
- 1 game board consisting of 4 quadrants, each with 3x3 slots.
- 36 marbles, usually in two colors (commonly black and white).
Setup
- Each player selects a color.
- Place the game board in the center.
- Determine who goes first.
Rules
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Place a Marble: The player takes their turn by placing one of their marbles on any open slot on the game board.
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Rotate a Quadrant: After placing a marble, the player must rotate one of the four quadrants 90° in any direction. This involves turning the quadrant clockwise or counterclockwise by a quarter turn. It doesn't matter if this move creates a winning sequence.
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Forming a Line: The player should aim to complete a row of exactly five of their marbles. These can stretch across multiple quadrants.
Winning Conditions
- The first player to form an uninterrupted line of five marbles in their own color wins the game.
- If the board is full and no player has five in a row, the game ends in a draw.
Strategy Tips
- Center Control: Try to occupy the center positions of the quadrants early on, as these can be used in multiple winning lines when rotated.
- Use Rotations Cleverly: Consider that rotating quadrants affects both your position and your opponent's. Try to block your opponent from forming a winning line while also maximizing your chances.
- Anticipate Moves: Predict the impact of your moves and their rotations, taking into account how they will change the board setup.
