Vintage "BASILINDA" board game cover featuring illustrations of a family engaging in play, with text "An Amusement for Children" and "By Author of Halma." The cover shows wear and tear indicative of its age.
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Basilinda (1890)

ByMichail

Basilinda

Basilinda is a board game created by George Howard Monks, the author of Halma, and was first published and manufactured in 1890 by E.I. Horsman, a toy manufacturer from New York. The game originally sold for $1.00 when it was released. Basilinda resembles classic Chinese checkers with the addition of “cannon” and “ca” pieces.

Why is Basilinda Popular?

Basilinda is a popular game because it involves strategy and tactics, and it is easy to learn and play. The game has been linked to the classic board game Halma, which was invented by George Howard Monks between 1883 and 1884. After the success of Halma, Monks created Basilinda, which shares similarities with Chinese Checkers but has unique features such as “captain” and “cannon” pieces.

Game Components of Basilinda

  • Board:** Features a unique design with a movable partition.
  • Pieces:** Each player has 18 men, 3 cannons, and 1 captain or king.
  • Partition:** A screen to conceal the opposing force during gameplay.

    How To Setup Basilinda

    To set up Basilinda, players start by placing their 18 men, 3 cannons, and 1 captain or king on their side of the board. The movable partition is positioned to hide the opposing player’s pieces from view. This setup ensures that players do not see the initial placement of their opponent’s forces, adding a strategic layer to the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The goal is to move all of your pieces to the opposite side of the board.
  • Movement:** Pieces move in a manner similar to Chinese checkers, with the ability to jump over other pieces.
  • Cannons:** Special pieces that can capture opponent pieces by jumping over them.
  • Captain/King:** A special piece that has unique movement or capture rules.

    Player Experience

    Playing Basilinda combines strategic planning with a hint of luck, as the hidden initial setup adds an element of surprise. Players need to think ahead and use their pieces wisely to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires a balance between defensive and offensive strategies, making it engaging and challenging.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** The game involves complex planning and strategy.
  • Unique Mechanics:** The addition of cannons and a partition adds a fresh twist to the classic Chinese checkers game.
  • Replayability:** The hidden initial setup ensures different games each time.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game may be overwhelming for new players due to its unique mechanics.
  • Availability:** As an antique game, it may be difficult to find a copy.

    Personal Thoughts on Basilinda

    Basilinda is a game that will appeal to fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy a mix of luck and planning. It is ideal for players looking for a game that is both challenging and engaging, with a historical twist. However, due to its complexity and rarity, it may not be the best choice for casual or new board game enthusiasts.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl