Breakthru (1965)
Breakthru
Breakthru is an abstract strategy board game for two players, designed by Alex Randolph and commercially released by 3M Company in 1965, as part of the 3M bookshelf game series. It later became part of the Avalon Hill bookcase games. It is no longer in production.
Why is Breakthru Popular?
Breakthru is a modern naval blockade-themed game based on historic Tafl games. It is a strategy game that requires players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully. The game is significant because it has been around for over 50 years and has been enjoyed by many players during that time.
Game Components of Breakthru
How To Setup Breakthru
To set up the game, the “gold player” places the flagship on the center square of the board and positions the escorts within the boldly ruled central area. The “silver player” positions the twenty silver ships in the lightly ruled peripheral area of the board. The gold player determines who goes first, either arbitrarily or by a coin toss.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– Gold player: Move the flagship to the perimeter of the board while evading capture.
– Silver player: Trap the flagship and destroy the gold fleet’s escorts.
– Players move alternately, making two moves or one capture.
– Flagship movement: One move or capture.
– Smaller pieces: Move horizontally or vertically any number of vacant squares.
– Pieces capture diagonally, similar to chess pawns but on any of the four diagonals.
– Capture method: Displacement capture, where the captured piece is removed and replaced by the captor.
Player Experience
Breakthru offers a strategic and tactical experience, requiring observation and planning. The game pits two unevenly matched teams against each other, creating a dynamic where each player must adapt their strategy to achieve their objective. The naval blockade theme adds a layer of complexity and engagement.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Breakthru
Breakthru is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those interested in historical board games. It offers a challenging and engaging experience that requires strategic thinking and tactical execution. While it may not be as widely available as other games due to being out of production, it remains a gem for collectors and enthusiasts of strategy board games.
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