Spectrangle (1989) Board Game

Spectrangle is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1989 by Broadway Toys LTD. It was designed by Alain John Fraser-Dackers, Maxwell Graham Gordon, and Lester Wynne Jordan. The game is known for its unique and colorful triangular board consisting of 336 tiles.

Game Components of Spectrangle

Game Board: A triangular board with numbered bonus spaces.

Trangs: 36 multi-colored, double-sided triangular tiles (or 60 in the original version), each marked with a number and including one all-white ‘joker’ tile.

Score Pegs: 8 score pegs for tracking points.

Cloth Bag: For drawing and storing the trangs.

Guide: A rulebook to explain the game mechanics.

How To Setup Spectrangle

To set up the game, all trangs are placed in the cloth bag. Each player draws a trang to determine who starts; the player with the highest valued trang goes first. The trangs are then returned to the bag, and each player draws a hand of four trangs. The opening player places their trang on the board, ensuring it is not in a numbered bonus space. Players then take turns drawing and playing trangs from their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Score the most points by placing trangs effectively on the board.

Turn Sequence: Players must place a trang from their hand alongside at least one existing trang, ensuring colors match (white matches any color).

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

Game End: The game ends when all possible plays have been made or the board is filled. Points for remaining trangs in hand are deducted from the player’s total score.

Player Experience

Spectrangle offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience, requiring strategic thought and color matching skills. Players must think ahead to maximize their scores and block their opponents. The game’s unique triangular tiles and bonus spaces add a layer of complexity that appeals to fans of abstract strategy games.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Color Matching: Engaging color-matching mechanic that adds complexity.

Replayability: Multiple permutations of trangs ensure different game experiences each time.

Educational Value: Enhances spatial awareness and strategic thinking skills.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Can be confusing for new players, especially those with color vision issues.

Lengthy Games: Games can last up to 45 minutes, which may not suit all players.

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

Personal Thoughts on Spectrangle

Spectrangle is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenge that goes beyond simple tile placement. It’s a great game for families and friends who enjoy strategic play, although it may not be the best fit for very young children due to its complexity. The game’s educational value makes it a good addition to any game collection, especially for those interested in developing their spatial awareness and critical thinking skills. However, its current unavailability and the potential frustration it can cause for some players should be considered.

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.