DONUTS (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

DONUTS is an abstract strategy board game designed by Bruno Cathala and illustrated by Funforge. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 players. The game features a square grid and tile placement mechanics, where players must strategically enclose spaces to earn points. With a quick runtime of 10-15 minutes, DONUTS is a great option for players aged 8 and above who enjoy strategic gameplay.

Game Components of DONUTS

4 modular 3×3 tiles that form a 6×6 grid

30 double-sided wooden donuts (15 per player, vanilla and chocolate flavored)

Each tile has vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines indicating placement directions

How To Setup DONUTS

To set up the game, arrange the four 3×3 tiles randomly into a 6×6 grid. Each player receives 15 donuts of their chosen flavor. The tiles are double-sided, allowing for varied board configurations each game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Align five donuts of your color in a row, column, or diagonal.

Placement: The first player places a donut on any unoccupied space. The line on the space indicates the direction (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) where the opponent must place their next donut.

Directional Constraint: If no space is available in the indicated direction, the opponent can place their donut in any unoccupied space.

Flipping Mechanic: If a player places a donut between two of their opponent’s donuts, they can flip those opponent’s donuts to their own color.

Win Condition: The game ends when a player achieves five donuts in a row. If all donuts are placed without this condition, the player with the largest orthogonally connected group of donuts wins.

Player Experience

DONUTS offers a quick and tactical gameplay experience, typically lasting around 10-15 minutes. The game requires strategic thinking and planning ahead, as each move dictates where the opponent can place their next donut. The modular board setup ensures high replayability, with different configurations each game.

Pros

Quick and Simple to Learn: The game has a 60-second teach time and is easy to understand.

High Replayability: The randomization of the board tiles provides infinite replayability.

Tactical Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers deep strategic gameplay.

High-Quality Components: The wooden donuts and modular boards are of good quality.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+, making it a great family filler game.

Cons

Initial Complexity: The insertion rules can be opaque for new players.

Theme and Gameplay Disconnect: The donut theme does not significantly influence the gameplay.

Fiddly Board Setup: The modular boards can be a bit fiddly to set up.

Personal Thoughts on DONUTS

DONUTS is perfect for fans of quick abstract strategy games and those looking for a fun, tactical filler. While it may not match the depth of other games by Bruno Cathala, it stands well on its own merits. It’s an excellent choice for game nights or as a palate cleanser between more complex games. If you enjoy games like *Tic Tac Toe*, *Othello*, or *Pente*, you’ll likely find DONUTS to be a delightful and challenging addition to your gaming collection.

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