Objective of the Game
The objective of Billabong is to be the first player to move all of your kangaroos around the billabong (lake) and back to their starting position.
Game Components
- A game board with a billabong (lake) in the center.
- Kangaroo playing pieces for each player, in a distinguishable color.
Setup
- Each player chooses a color and receives five kangaroo pieces.
- All kangaroos are placed on their respective starting line in their color.
- The youngest player begins the game.
Gameplay
- Turn Order:
- Players take turns in a clockwise direction.
- Movement:
- A kangaroo can either move one space in a straight direction (right, left, upward, downward), or
- Perform a jump over another kangaroo. Jumps can skip over any number of consecutive kangaroos as long as movement is in a straight line and the landing space is free.
- End of a Turn:
- A turn ends once a kangaroo moves either one space or makes a valid jump.
- Billabong-Lake:
- The lake in the center is an impassable obstacle. Kangaroos cannot land on it or jump over it.
Jumping Rules
- Single Jump:
- You can only jump over adjacent kangaroos if there is a free space behind them in the same straight direction.
- Multiple Jumps:
- It is possible to perform several jumps in one turn, changing direction each time if needed.
Special Rules and Strategies
- Tactical Blocking: Strategically placing your kangaroos can prevent opponent jumps.
- Optimal Jump Paths: Combining several jumps in one move can cover great distances quickly, significantly advancing your position.
End of the Game
- The game finishes once a player returns all their kangaroos to the start position, having hopped over the billabong.
- The first player to achieve this wins the game.
Billabong is a game of skill and strategy, where using the positioning of kangaroos cleverly is key to quickly encircling the lake and returning to the start.
