Objective of the Game
Alquerque is a historical two-player strategy game. The goal is to capture all of the opponent's pieces so that the opponent can make no more moves.
Game Components
An Alquerque board has the shape of a square with a 5x5 grid of intersecting points, connected by lines. Each player has 12 pieces of one color, usually black and white.
Setting Up the Game
- The board is set up such that the bottom two rows are filled with one player's pieces, and the top two rows are filled with the other player's pieces.
- The middle row, called "combat" or "battle area," initially remains empty.
Rules of Play
- Starting Player: Players decide who goes first, or the player with white pieces can start.
- Normal Move: Pieces move along the lines to an adjacent empty point. Each move must go to a directly connected, unoccupied point.
- Capture: A player can capture an opponent's piece by jumping over that piece in a straight line to an empty point on the other side. The opponent's piece is then removed from the board.
- Multiple Captures: Like in the game of Checkers, a player can make multiple captures in one move if the conditions are met. This involves making consecutive jumps over opponent's pieces.
- Mandatory Capture: If a player can capture, they must do so. If multiple capture options exist, the player is free to choose which one to take.
End of the Game
The game ends when one player has captured all of the opponent's pieces or the opponent cannot make any more moves.
Strategy Tips
- Positioning: Block the opponent by careful placement of your pieces to force them into making bad moves.
- Prepare Multiple Captures: Aim to set up multiple captures for future moves.
- Avoid Forced Moves: Be cautious of not getting into positions where you are forced to make moves that allow the opponent to capture your pieces.
