Blockade (1975) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Blockade is a classic board game that was first released in 1975 by designer Philip Slater and published by Action GT. It is an abstract strategy game that involves maze-like gameplay and racing to block your opponent from moving their pieces.

Game Components of Blockade

2 players: Each player has 2 pawns.

Walls: 9 vertical and 9 horizontal walls.

Bomb: 1 bomb per player.

Board: An 11×14 grid board with marked home bases for each player.

How To Setup Blockade

To set up Blockade, place the pawns on their respective starting locations (home bases) marked on the board. For the red player, pawns go on D4 and H4, while for the blue player, pawns are placed on D11 and H11. Each player starts with their set of walls and a bomb.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is for each player to move both their pawns to the opponent’s home bases.

Movement: Pawns can move one or two spaces horizontally, vertically, or any combination without jumping over walls. However, a pawn can jump over an opponent’s pawn if it is immediately adjacent.

Walls: Players can place walls adjacent to two squares, ensuring they do not cut across other walls. Walls cannot be moved once placed, and there must always be an accessible path between every pawn and every home base.

Bombs: Before moving, a player can detonate their bomb to destroy half of a wall adjacent to one of their pawns, allowing the pawn to pass through the destroyed section.

Player Experience

Blockade is a game of strategic planning and adaptability. Players need to balance moving their pawns with strategically placing walls to block their opponent while ensuring their own pawns have a clear path. The game requires careful thinking and anticipation of the opponent’s moves, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich strategic experience with complex wall placements and pawn movements.

Replayability: Each game can be significantly different due to the various wall configurations and bomb uses.

Simple to Learn: Basic rules make it easy for new players to start, but the game’s complexity ensures it remains interesting for experienced players.

Cons

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

Lengthy Games: Games can be quite long as players meticulously plan and execute their moves.

Out of Print: The original version by Lakeside is no longer widely available, which might make it harder to find.

Personal Thoughts on Blockade

Blockade is perfect for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenging, two-player experience. It’s ideal for players who appreciate games that require careful planning and strategic thinking. While it may not be suitable for large groups or those seeking quick, casual games, Blockade offers a unique and engaging experience for strategy enthusiasts.

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