Ta Yü (1999) – Board Game Guys

Ta Yü

Ta Yü is an abstract strategy game based on the legendary Yu the Great, designed by Nicolas Neuwahl in 1999. The game is a tile-based tabletop game for 2-4 players, where each player takes turns to play 3×1 tiles with three connections on each tile, trying to make channels that run to their own side of the board. The game is popular and significant due to its simple yet strategic gameplay, which allows players to engage in a game of connections and river construction.

Game Components of Ta Yü

Tiles: 3×1 tiles with three connections each, designed to fit into a 19×19 grid on the board.

Board: A square board with 18×18 round indentations to hold the tiles securely.

Special Points: Three special points on each side of the board that score double.

How To Setup Ta Yü

To set up Ta Yü, players start by choosing two identical, opposite sides of the board as their own. The game begins with a randomly chosen starting player who draws the first tile from a bag and places it in one of the four center indentations on the board. Each subsequent tile must connect to existing tiles on the board, ensuring all three connections of the tile are legally accounted for.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Network and Route Building: Players build channels by placing tiles to connect their sides of the board.

Pattern Building: Tiles must be placed to create valid connections across the board.

Tile Placement: Each tile must connect to existing tiles or the board’s edges.

Team-Based Game: In a four-player game, players form teams, with north-south and east-west partnerships.

Game Objective

The objective is to create channels that run to your designated sides of the board. The game ends when no legal tile placement is possible. Players score points equal to the product of the number of connections to each side they control. Special points on the board score double.

Player Experience

Ta Yü offers a engaging and visually pleasing experience, with players creating a network of connections that flow across the board. The game requires both offensive and defensive strategies, as players must balance creating their own connections while preventing their opponents from doing the same. The unique scoring system, where the score is the product of connections on opposing sides, adds a layer of complexity and strategy.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Combines offense and defense, requiring careful planning and tile placement.

Visually Appealing: The game’s design and tile placement create a unique and pleasing pattern each time it is played.

Replay Value: High replayability due to the random draw of tiles and the different strategies that can be employed.

Cons

Luck Element: The draw of tiles can introduce an element of luck, which may frustrate some players.

Complex Scoring: The scoring system, while strategic, can be confusing for new players to grasp initially.

Personal Thoughts on Ta Yü

Ta Yü is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games that require both short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning. The game’s unique mechanics and scoring system make it a standout in the genre, but it may not be the best fit for those who prefer simpler, more straightforward games. Overall, Ta Yü is a challenging and rewarding game that encourages strategic thinking and planning.

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