Objective of the Game

Malefiz is an exciting board game in which up to four players compete against each other. The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach the target fields on the game board with your piece. Players move their pieces, block their opponents, and try to overcome or move obstacles.

Game Components

• Game Board with an impressive number of spaces forming a special course.
• Dice, which determines how far the pieces can be moved.
• Game Pieces in various colors, usually five per player.
• Barricades, strategically placed on the board to hinder the progress of other players.

Setup

1. Each player selects a color and receives the corresponding five pieces.
2. The pieces are placed on the starting positions at the bottom edge of the board.
3. At the start of the game, a row of barricades is in the middle of the board, which can be moved but not directly jumped over.

Gameplay

1. Order of Play: Players take turns rolling the dice.
2. Movement: The rolled number determines how many spaces a piece can be moved forward.
3. Each number on the dice allows movement of any of your own pieces in the direction of the track.
4. Barricades:
5. If a player lands on a barricade, their turn ends unless they can relocate the barricade.
6. Moving Barricades: When you land on a barricade and the dice allows, you can relocate the barricade to any other free barricade space on the board.
7. Barricades can block the paths of opponent’s pieces, so strategic placement is crucial.
8. Occupied Spaces: If a player lands exactly on an occupied space, the opposing piece is sent back to the start.
9. Winning the Game: The aim is to be the first player to navigate past all barricades and land precisely on the target position with one of your pieces.

Strategic Tips

• Use Barricades Effectively: Keep in mind where and when barricades are useful, especially to block a direct competitor.
• Carefully Avoid Barricades: Plan routes according to the barricade strategy of other players.
• Flexible Use of Pieces: Try to make progress with several pieces at the same time to always have options in your hand.

Malefiz is a game that involves significant tactics and strategy, as it requires not only luck in rolling the dice but also clever barricade placement and foresight to ultimately emerge as the winner.