Spectrangle (1989) – Board Game Guys

Spectrangle

Spectrangle is an abstract strategy game invented by Alan John Fraser-Dackers, Maxwell Graham Gordon, and Lester Wynne Jordan. The game is played on a triangular board using 36 triangular tiles called “trangs”. The game was first published in 1992 by the British company, Invicta Plastics Ltd. It is now owned by Spears Games and Jumbo.

Why is Spectrangle Popular?

Spectrangle is a fast-paced game of skill and luck that challenges players to strategically place their game pieces where they’ll earn the most points while making it difficult for their opponents to do the same. The game is popular among players of all ages and is seen as an educational game.

Game Components of Spectrangle

Triangular Board: The game features a triangular-shaped board, which varies in size depending on the version.

Trangs: 36 (or 60 in the original version) double-sided triangular tiles called “trangs,” each marked with a number and colored with permutations of red, yellow, green, cyan, magenta, and a white ‘joker’ tile.

Cloth Bag: A bag to draw the trangs from.

Scoring System: Spaces on the board have bonus values, and each trang has a basic scoring value.

How To Setup Spectrangle

To set up Spectrangle, first, all trangs are placed in the cloth bag. Each player draws a trang from the bag to determine the opening player, who is the one with the highest valued trang. The trangs are then returned to the bag, and each player draws a hand of four trangs. These trangs are kept in full view of all players. The setup time is approximately one minute.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Opening Play: The opening player plays a trang into an unnumbered space on the board, recording its value as their score.

Turn-Based Play: Players must play a trang from their hand alongside existing trangs, ensuring that the colors match (white matches any color).

Scoring: The score is calculated by multiplying the trang’s value by the bonus value of the space and the number of existing trangs it touches.

Replacement: If a player cannot play, they can replace one of their trangs with a new one drawn from the bag.

Game End: The game ends when all possible plays have been made. Remaining trangs in a player’s hand deduct from their total score.

Objective: The aim is to score the most points by playing trangs effectively.

Player Experience

Spectrangle offers a blend of strategy and luck, making it engaging and challenging. Players need to think strategically about where to place their trangs to maximize their scores, taking into account the colors and the bonus values on the board. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above, and a typical game lasts about 45 minutes.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thought and planning.

Colorful and Engaging: The use of colorful trangs and the triangular board makes the game visually appealing.

Family-Friendly: Won the 1993 Årets Spel (Game of the Year) award for best family game.

Educational Value: Develops spatial awareness and logical thinking.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players, especially those with color vision issues.

Length: While the setup is quick, the game itself can last around 45 minutes, which might be too long for some players.

Out of Print: The game is currently out of print, making it harder to find.

Personal Thoughts on Spectrangle

Spectrangle is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenge that requires careful planning. It is a great game for families or small groups of friends who want to engage in a mentally stimulating activity. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer simpler, quicker games or those who struggle with color matching. Despite its complexity, Spectrangle offers a unique and rewarding gaming experience that can be quite addictive for those who enjoy strategy and puzzle-solving.

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