Waving Hands (1977) Board Game

Waving Hands is a fantasy board game released in 1977 and designed by Richard A. Bartle. It is a game that involves action queue, paper-and-pencil, and simultaneous action selection mechanisms. The game is suitable for 2-10 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above.

Game Components of Waving Hands

Gesture cards or hand gestures: Players use specific hand gestures like SNAP, etc., to create spells.

Spell counters: Representing the spells created, these move at different speeds based on the complexity of the gestures.

Rulebook: Outlining the gesture sequences and game rules.

How To Setup Waving Hands

To set up **Waving Hands**, players need to understand the basic gestures and how to combine them to create spells. Initially, the game used a board where wizards could move, but later versions abstracted out the positional information to focus on the spellcasting aspect. Players start by familiarizing themselves with the available gestures and how these can be combined to create effective spells.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gesture Sequences: Players create spells by stringing together basic hand gestures.

Spellcasting: Spells are represented by counters that move at different speeds based on the complexity of the gestures.

Dueling: Players engage in magical duels, with the objective of outmaneuvering their opponents through strategic spellcasting.

Two-Handed Gestures: Introduced to enforce reconciliation between gesture streams, adding a layer of strategy.

Game Objective: The goal is to defeat the opposing wizard by successfully casting spells.

Player Experience

Playing **Waving Hands** is an engaging and strategic experience. Players must think creatively to combine gestures into effective spells while anticipating their opponents’ moves. The game requires a mix of planning and quick thinking, making it appealing to fans of abstract strategy and dueling games.

Pros

Creative Spellcasting: Allows players to be inventive with their spell combinations.

Strategic Depth: The game requires strategic thinking and planning.

Interactive: Players are actively engaged in the dueling process.

Simple yet Challenging: Easy to learn but difficult to master.

Cons

Complexity in Later Versions: The introduction of two-handed gestures and abstracting out positional information can add complexity.

Limited Commercial Availability: The game was never commercially published due to the publisher going bankrupt.

Rulebook Dependency: Players need to refer frequently to the rulebook to understand the gesture sequences.

Personal Thoughts on Waving Hands

**Waving Hands** is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy and creative gameplay. It is particularly suited for those interested in unique mechanics and strategic dueling. While it may not be widely available commercially, the game’s concept and execution make it a fascinating addition to any board game collection. For fans of games that challenge the mind and offer a unique playing experience, **Waving Hands** is definitely worth exploring.

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