Ploy (1970) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ploy is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 1970. Designed by Frank Thibault, the game has been published by various companies such as 3M, Dujardin, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, and Schmidt Spiele. Ploy is a game that requires careful planning and strategic thinking to outmaneuver your opponent and emerge victorious.

Game Components of Ploy

Board: A 9×9 grid with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines connecting the spaces.

Pieces: 50 pieces in total, including:

Commander: One piece per player with four directional indicators, movable in any direction but only one space.

Lances: Pieces with three directional indicators, movable one, two, or three spaces.

Probes: Pieces with two directional indicators, movable one or two spaces.

Shields: Pieces with one directional indicator, movable one space, and the only pieces that can perform a direction move after a motion move.

How To Setup Ploy

For a two-player game, players use the coral and green colored sets. The board is divided into two halves connected by binders. Each player starts with an equal number of Shields, Probes, Lances, and one Commander. For four-player games, all four color sets are used, with different setups for individual and partnership games. The pieces are arranged according to the specific game mode, with detailed setup pictures provided in the game instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture the opponent’s Commander or all of their other pieces.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns making either a motion move or a directional move.
– Pieces can only move along the lines indicated by their directional indicators.
– Shields can move and then change direction.
– The game ends when a player’s Commander is captured or all their other pieces are captured.

Variations: Two-player, four-player individual, and four-player partnership games.

Player Experience

Ploy is a game of strategy and patience, appealing to fans of games like Chess. The unique movement mechanics, where pieces can be rotated to change direction, add a layer of complexity and tactical depth. However, the game can be fiddly, as the pieces do not lock into place and can be easily nudged out of alignment.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a challenging and strategic experience similar to Chess but with unique piece movements.

Multiple Game Modes: Supports two-player, four-player individual, and four-player partnership games.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, and the game is easy to pick up, but it takes time to master.

Cons

Fiddly Pieces: The pieces can be easily nudged out of alignment, requiring frequent adjustments.

Slow Pace: The game can be slow-paced, requiring a lot of positioning and patience, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Ploy

Ploy is ideal for fans of strategic board games, particularly those who enjoy Chess but are looking for a fresh twist. It offers a great balance between simplicity in rules and depth in strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer faster-paced games or those who get frustrated with pieces that are easy to misalign. If you enjoy games that require careful planning and execution, Ploy is definitely worth checking out.

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