Oct 4, 2005

TORAX

1. Initially both play one or more blocks (O) per turn, or else adopt Blocker. After adoption, the other (X) starts the alternating moves.
2. Alternating play continues as at Quax.
3. The game ends when X has made a connected global loop in any direction; or until this is impossible.

The game has two distinct phases. First there is a poker-like game, where both player drop blocking pieces until one of them accepts the task of Blocker. Secondly, there is a race of connection vs. blocking which, eventually decided if the first phase goes too far. Here is an example of it:

1. d3     b5
2. f5     c4
3. a1     b4
4. b1     adopt block

a   b   c   d   e   f    
---------------------  
O   O   .   .   .   .  1

.   .   .   .   .   .  2

.   .   .   O   .   .  3

.   O   O   .   .   .  4

.   O   .   .   .   O  5

.   .   .   .   .   .  6

The game is quickly decided:

5. e4     d5
6. e5     e6
7. d6     d5e6  
8. e1     e2
9. resign

a   b   c   d   e   f    
---------------------  
O   O   .   .   X   .  1
                        
.   .   .   .   O   .  2
                        
.   .   .   O   .   .  3

.   O   O   .   X   .  4

.   O   .   O_  X   O  5
              \_
.   .   .   X   O   .  6

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