Objective of the Game
Ploy is an abstract strategic board game where the goal is to outmaneuver your opponent by either capturing their Commander or blockading them to the point where they cannot make any moves.
Game Setup
- Game Board: Ploy is played on a square board divided into a 9x9 grid.
- Game Pieces: Each player has a set of pieces in one color. The set includes one Commander, two Lieutenants, two Lances, and two Shields.
- Setup of Pieces: Pieces are placed in the first two rows of each player's side. The Commander is positioned in the center of the back row.
- Orientation of Pieces: Every piece, except the Commander, has two long rounded lines indicating their movement directions.
Gameplay
Turns
- Players take turns performing one move each.
- A move consists of moving and/or turning a piece.
- Moving: Pieces can slide one or more spaces along one of its directional lines.
- Turning: A piece can be turned 45 or 90 degrees to change its orientation.
Movement of Pieces
- A piece can only move in the directions indicated by its lines.
- Combat (Capturing an Opponent's Piece): When a piece lands on an opponent's square, the opponent's piece is captured and removed from the game.
Winning Conditions
A player wins by: - Capturing the opponent's Commander. - Leaving the opponent with no possible moves.
Strategic Tips
- Maintain Control: Try to control the center of the board to restrict your opponent's movements.
- Protect the Commander: Your Commander is your most crucial piece, keep other pieces ready to protect it.
- Flexibility Through Turning: Use the turning ability of pieces to adjust both attack and defense lines.
Ploy is a game highly focused on strategy, rewarding advance planning and the ability to adapt to the opponent's moves.
