Objective
The Knossos Board Game is an abstract strategy game where players compete against each other to be the first to reach the center of the board or to prevent the opponent from doing so. The game is played on a square board divided into a grid.
Components
- A board with a square grid (typically 5x5 squares)
- Two player tokens, one for each player
- Two sets of marker pieces or stones of different colors for each player
Setup
- The board is placed between the two players.
- Each player selects a color for their stones and a playing piece.
- The playing pieces start at opposite corners of the board.
Gameplay
The player who goes first is chosen at random. Players then take turns alternately.
Turn:
A player's turn consists of the following phases:
- Move - The player moves their token orthogonally, in a straight line forward, backward, left, or right to an adjacent empty space.
- Mark - After moving, the player must place one of their stones on an empty square. Stones can only be placed on empty squares and block movement for all tokens.
Token Movement:
- Orthogonal Movement: Tokens can only move horizontally or vertically.
- Blockade: A square with a stone on it cannot be entered. Thus, skillful placement of stones can effectively block the opponent.
Winning Conditions
A player wins by either:
- Moving their token to the center of the board.
- Or, by trapping the opponent player so that they have no legal moves left.
Strategies
- Block Paths: Prevent the opponent from reaching the center by strategically placing your stones.
- Control the Center: Try to control access to the center early on.
Tips and Special Features
- Early on, build a defense while trying to identify attack routes.
- Balance offense and defense throughout the game as the number of free spaces can quickly decrease.
- Be flexible in adjusting your strategy as the game progresses.
