Dots (1998) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Dots is a card game designed by Bernhard Naegele and published by Adlung-Spiele in in 1998. The game has a simple concept of creating and connecting dots on cards, making it accessible to players of all ages. With its colorful artwork and straightforward gameplay, Dots has become a popular choice for casual gaming sessions.

Game Components of Dots

Grid: A grid of any finite size, traditionally 39×32, often found on a page of squared copybook.

Pens: Two pens of different colors.

Paper: Squared paper for drawing the grid and placing dots.

How To Setup Dots

To set up the game, players draw a grid on the squared paper. The game can start from various initial positions to prevent forced draw situations. Popular initial positions include a *cross*, *double cross*, or *four crosses placed randomly* around the center of the field.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to capture more dots than the opponent by surrounding them with a continuous line of one’s own dots.

Field: Players take turns placing a dot of their own color on an empty intersection of the grid.

Capture Rule: If a newly-placed dot completes a closed chain of dots that encloses at least one enemy dot, all the enclosed dots are captured by the player.

Boundary Line: The surrounding player must draw a boundary line through their dots to mark the enclosed area.

Grounding Rule: In competitive play, continuous groups of dots touching the border of the field cannot be captured and are said to be *grounded*.

Player Experience

Playing **Dots** requires strategic thinking and tactical planning. It is a game of observation and strategy, similar to Go, where players must carefully consider each move to capture the maximum number of enemy dots. The game can be played casually or competitively, with the grounding rule adding a layer of complexity for serious players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich strategic experience with many possible moves and outcomes.

Minimal Setup: Quick and easy to set up, requiring only a piece of paper and pens.

Simple yet Challenging: Easy to learn but challenging to master, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Encourages Critical Thinking: Players must think critically about each move to achieve the best outcome.

Cons

Draws: The game can end in a draw if players are too cautious or if the initial setup is not conducive to active play.

Time-Consuming: Games can be lengthy, especially if players are very strategic.

Requires Attention to Detail: Players must pay close attention to the grid and the dots to avoid mistakes.

Personal Thoughts on Dots

**Dots** is an excellent game for those who enjoy abstract strategy and are looking for a game that can be played anywhere with minimal equipment. It is particularly suitable for fans of games like Go and Dots and Boxes. The game’s simplicity and depth make it appealing to both casual and serious gamers, although it may not be as engaging for those who prefer games with more thematic content or complex rules.

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