Objective of the Game
In Connect6, the goal for a player is to create an unbroken line of six of their own stones either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on a game board.
Game Materials
- A square game board, usually 19x19 squares (similar to a Go board).
- Two sets of stones in different colors (e.g., black and white).
Game Setup
- Place the game board in the center of all players.
- Choose which player will use which color.
- The player with the darker color starts. Note: In Connect6, the first player starts with just one stone instead of the usual two stones. This rule balances out the advantage of going first.
Gameplay
- Opening Move: The player with the dark color places one stone on any empty space on the board.
- Regular Moves: Subsequently, players take turns placing two stones per turn on any empty spaces on the board.
- Objective: The aim is to align six or more continuous stones in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
Winning the Game
- A player wins the game when they form an unbroken line of six or more of their stones.
Strategic Tips
- Positioning: Starting near the center is strategic, offering flexibility for future moves.
- Blocking: Always watch your opponent's moves carefully. If they have three or more stones in a row, they might attempt to complete that line.
- Branching: Try creating positions from which multiple lines of exactly six stones can be pursued simultaneously.
- Be wary of playing too defensively. Often, effective strategies require claiming portions of the board aggressively.
Special Game Rules
Connect6 doesn't set strict boundaries for the board, though most games are played on a 19x19 board. Some prefer playing on larger boards or introducing additional rules to make the games more challenging.
The rules are flexible enough to be well-suited for both home and tournament play. Players may decide to introduce additional conditions, such as time limits per move or game length based on a certain number of moves.
Enjoy playing Connect6!
