BRIDG-IT (1960) Board Game – Board Game Guys

BRIDG-IT is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 1960. It is designed for two players and has a runtime of around 15 minutes. The game was created by David Gale and Robert H. Goetz and is published by Hasbro, under the Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. brand.

Game Components of BRIDG-IT

Board: A square grid, typically 5×5 in the commercial version.

Pieces: Bridges or lines that players use to connect dots on the board. Each player has a set of bridges, with 20 bridges per player in the commercial version.

Players: Two players, often referred to as Red and Blue.

How To Setup BRIDG-IT

To set up BRIDG-IT, place the square grid board in the middle. Each player chooses a color (Red or Blue) and prepares their set of bridges. The objective is clear from the start: Red aims to connect the top and bottom sides of the board, while Blue aims to connect the left and right sides.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay: Players alternate turns. In each turn, a player draws either a horizontal or a vertical line connecting two dots on the board.

Line Placement: Lines must not cross each other; each center point can only be occupied by one player.

Objective:
– Red wins by connecting the top and bottom sides of the board.
– Blue wins by connecting the left and right sides of the board.

Strategic Element: The game is equivalent to a special case of Hex, with an explicit winning strategy known for the first player.

Player Experience

BRIDG-IT offers a strategic and engaging experience for players. The game requires careful planning and foresight, as each move can significantly impact the outcome. Since the game cannot end in a draw, players must be meticulous in their strategy to secure a win. The use of three graphs to track moves in the advanced strategy adds a layer of complexity that appeals to players who enjoy deep strategic games.

Pros

Strategic Depth: BRIDG-IT has a well-defined winning strategy, making it appealing to strategic players.

No Draws: The game ensures a winner, adding an element of competition.

Simple Setup: The game is easy to set up and start playing.

Historical Significance: It was described by Martin Gardner and has a unique place in the history of connection games.

Cons

Complex Strategy: The advanced strategy involving three graphs can be overwhelming for casual players.

Limited Commercial Availability: The original commercial version is vintage and may be hard to find.

Modified Rules in Commercial Version: The commercial version allowed moving bridges, which deviates from the original rules.

Personal Thoughts on BRIDG-IT

BRIDG-IT is ideal for players who enjoy strategic connection games like Hex. It is particularly suited for those interested in mathematics and game theory, given its roots and the complexity of its winning strategy. While it may not be as accessible to casual gamers due to its complex strategic elements, it offers a rich and challenging experience for those who delve into it. If you’re looking for a game that combines simplicity in setup with depth in strategy, BRIDG-IT is an excellent choice.

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