Objective of the Game:
The objective of Surakarta is to capture all of your opponent's pieces.
Game Components:
- A 6x6 board with outer circular extensions.
- 12 pieces for each player, in two different colors.
Setup:
Each player chooses a color and places their 12 pieces on the two nearest rows on the board.
Gameplay:
- Players take turns to move one of their pieces.
- A simple move is to slide a piece to an adjacent empty spot, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Capturing Pieces:
The unique aspect of Surakarta is the ability to capture opponent’s pieces by moving through the outer loops. These loops enable distinct attack options:
- To capture a piece, the capturing piece must move through one of the outer loops.
- The movement involves sliding over any number of empty spaces, using at least one of the loop paths, then landing on the opponent's piece's spot.
- The captured piece is removed from the board.
- A capture move can use any loop or space only once.
Strategic Considerations:
- Utilizing loops: Players should early on consider how they can use the loops for strategic attacks.
- Holding positions: Ensuring strong defensive positions is key to countering opponent attacks.
Game End:
The game ends when a player has no pieces left on the board.
Conclusion
Surakarta is a strategic board game that requires tactical thinking and strategic planning. The outer loops as attack paths offer players complex maneuvering opportunities and control of the board.
