Objective of the Game
Phutball, a game invented by John Conway and Michael Paterson, is a strategic board game. The objective is to move a piece, known as the "football" or Men, from its starting position into the opponent's goal via jumping over other pieces.
Materials Needed
- A board with a square grid of any size (commonly 19x15 squares).
- A collection of stones used by both players and the ball.
Setup
- The board is initial set up empty in the play area.
- The starting ball is placed in the center of the field.
- Both players sit opposite each other and decide who will begin.
Game Board
- The board consists of two opposite sides acting as goals.
- The bottom and top rows are the goals.
Rules of Play
- Turn Phase:
- Players take turns alternately.
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During their turn, players may either place a new stone anywhere on an empty square or move the ball (jump).
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Moving the Ball:
- The ball can jump over any number of consecutive stones in a straight line (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
- The ball must always land on an empty square.
- Stones that are jumped over are removed immediately (similar to Draughts).
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A single jump may zig-zag, changing directions multiple times, but no stones that belong to the same previously jumped line can be re-jumped.
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Winning the Game:
- A player wins by jumping the ball into the top or bottom area of the opponent's goal.
Strategic Considerations
- Positioning: Skillful placement of stones can create or prevent jumping opportunities.
- Protecting Stones: Placed stones can be used both offensively and defensively; they enable moves while hindering the opponent's ball movement.
- Jump Sequencing: Planning for possible jumping sequences can lead to surprising victories.
Phutball merges strategic considerations with tactical movement, requiring players to think ahead to win matches.
