Tak (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tak is a two-player abstract strategy game that was first introduced in in 2017. It was designed by James Ernest and popular fantasy author, Patrick Rothfuss. The game is inspired by the fictional game of the same name that appears in Rothfuss’ bestselling novel, “The Wise Man’s Fear”. Tak has gained a following for its elegant gameplay and strategic depth, making it a favorite among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Tak

Board: A square grid, available in various sizes.

Pieces: Flat stones, standing stones (or walls), and capstones. Each player has multiple flat stones, several standing stones, and one capstone.

How To Setup Tak

To set up Tak, players start by randomly selecting a starting player. This player then places one of their opponent’s pieces on any empty spot on the board. The other player does the same with one of the starting player’s pieces. After this initial placement, players take turns placing or moving their pieces. The board does not require any specific arrangement beyond the initial piece placements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Create a road of connected pieces from one side of the board to the opposite side, or have the most flat stones on the board if all pieces are placed and no road is formed.

Turn Actions: Players can either place a new piece on an empty space or move a stack of pieces they control.

Piece Types:

Flat Stones: Contribute to the connecting road.

Standing Stones: Act as barriers, preventing roads or piece movement, but do not count as part of the road.

Capstones: Count as part of the road, cannot be stacked upon, and can flatten standing stones.

Player Experience

Tak is praised for its simple rules and complex strategy, making it appealing to both new and experienced players. The game requires strategic thinking and planning, as players need to balance building their road with defending against their opponent’s moves. The stacking mechanism adds depth, allowing for intricate strategies and sudden changes in the game state. Players can start with smaller boards for quicker games and move to larger boards for more complex challenges.

Pros

Simple yet Complex: Easy to learn but deep in strategy.

Versatile Board Sizes: Can be played on various board sizes, from 3×3 to larger grids.

High Replayability: Different strategies and board configurations ensure no two games are the same.

Thematic and Aesthetic: The game’s design, especially the premium sets, is highly thematic and visually appealing.

Cons

First Player Advantage: There is a notable first player advantage, which can range from 55-65% win percentage, similar to but more pronounced than in games like chess.

Potential for Stalemates: If the board fills up with too many standing stones, the game can stall, leading to a less satisfying conclusion where the player with the most flat stones wins.

Component Quality: Some sets have plain and less impressive piece designs, despite the premium pricing.

Personal Thoughts on Tak

Tak is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who appreciate games with simple rules but deep strategic layers. It is a great introduction for new players due to its intuitive gameplay, yet it also challenges experienced players with its complex strategies. The game’s thematic connection to Patrick Rothfuss’s “Kingkiller Chronicles” series adds an extra layer of appeal for fans of the books. However, the significant first player advantage might be a concern for competitive play, but it does not diminish the game’s casual appeal.

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