Contack (1939) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Contack is a classic board game that was released in in 1939. Designed by J. W. Patterson and published by John Waddington Ltd., the game has been enjoyed by generations of players. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Children’s Game, and Number game, making it a versatile option for players of all ages.

Game Components of Contack

36 equilateral triangle tiles

Each tile has a gold, red, or blue edge

Each edge is marked with a value ranging from 1 to 10

No tile has two or more edges with the same value.

How To Setup Contack

To set up Contack, all tiles are flipped face-down and shuffled. Each player draws five tiles and displays them face-up, keeping them visible throughout the game. The player holding the lowest-valued tile, calculated by summing the three printed values for each side, places this tile on the table as the opening move.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Proceeds Clockwise: Players take turns laying tiles adjacent to the tile placed by the preceding player.

Matching Rules:
– Colors must match: Each new tile must match the color of an adjacent tile.
– Values must match or sum to a multiple of 5: Either the values on the edges must match, or the sum of the adjacent values must equal a multiple of 5 (e.g., 5, 10, 15).

Drawing Tiles: If a player cannot make a legal move and has fewer than five tiles, they draw tiles from the face-down pile until they have five or draw a playable tile.

Objective: The game continues until all tiles have been played or no legal moves are possible.

Player Experience

Contack offers a strategic and engaging experience, requiring players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully. The game combines elements of pattern recognition, mathematical thinking, and strategic planning, making it appealing to those who enjoy dominoes and similar tile-laying games. The unique triangular tiles and the multiple ways to match them add a layer of complexity and variety to each game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategy.

Variety: Multiple ways to match tiles keep the game interesting.

Colorful and Engaging: The use of different colors and values on the tiles makes the game visually appealing.

Flexible Player Count: Can be played with one to seven players.

Cons

Complex Rules: The matching rules and the need to sum values to multiples of 5 can be confusing for new players.

Limited Replayability: Once players master the strategies, the game might become less challenging.

Component Intensive: Requires careful handling and storage of the 36 triangular tiles.

Personal Thoughts on Contack

Contack is ideal for those who enjoy strategic, tile-laying games and are looking for something a bit more complex than traditional dominoes. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate mathematical puzzles and pattern recognition. While it may not be as widely known as some other games, Contack offers a unique and engaging experience that can appeal to both casual and experienced gamers. However, its niche appeal and complex rules might limit its broader popularity.

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