Mattock (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mattock is an abstract strategy board game released in 2020 by MindSports. It is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of 5–40 minutes. The game involves connections, hexagon grid, map addition, network and route building, and pattern recognition. Mattock falls under the category of Print & Play games, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Game Components of Mattock

Game board representing a rock face

Miners (game pieces)

Corridor tiles for creating paths

Each player starts with 3 miners on the board.

How To Setup Mattock

To set up Mattock, players place their 3 miners on the board. The game board is prepared to represent the rock face where the mining will take place. The corridor tiles are kept within reach for players to draw and place as they dig through the rock.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Trap your opponent so they run out of space to mine, effectively blocking their miners.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players take turns placing corridor tiles to extend their mining paths.
– Miners can be moved along the created corridors.
– The goal is to isolate your opponent’s miners by strategically placing the corridor tiles.

Player Experience

Playing Mattock involves a mix of strategic planning and spatial reasoning. Players must think ahead to create paths that will allow their miners to move freely while simultaneously blocking their opponents. The game requires attention to detail and a good understanding of spatial relationships.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a challenging and engaging strategic experience.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but difficult to master.

Competitive: Ideal for players who enjoy competitive games that require strategic thinking.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed primarily for two players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Repetitive: Some players might find the repetitive nature of placing corridor tiles and moving miners monotonous.

Personal Thoughts on Mattock

Mattock is for players who enjoy strategic and competitive games that require careful planning and spatial awareness. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that are easy to learn but challenging to win. If you’re looking for a game that will test your strategic skills against a single opponent, Mattock is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for large groups or those seeking a more diverse range of gameplay mechanics.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.