Focus (1963) – Board Game Guys

Focus

Focus is an abstract strategy board game designed by Sid Sackson and first published in 1963 by Kosmos. The game has been re-published many times since, sometimes under the titles Domination or Dominio. Focus won the 1981 Spiel des Jahres and Essen Feather awards. The game appears in Sackson’s A Gamut of Games in the section New Battles on an Old Battlefield.

Why is Focus Popular?

Focus is a popular abstract strategy game that has won several awards and has been re-published many times since its initial release. It is significant because it is a classic example of a two-player abstract strategy game, which is a genre of board games that emphasizes strategic thinking and planning.

Game Components of Focus

Board: A 6×6 checkerboard with 1×4 extensions on each side, minus the three squares in each corner.

Pieces: Stacks of one to five pieces, each player having their own colored pieces.

Players: 2-4 players can participate.

Age: Recommended for players 10+ years old.

Duration: Games typically last 45 minutes.

How To Setup Focus

To set up Focus, each player chooses a color and places their pieces on designated spaces on the board. In a three-player game, each player starts with one piece off the board, which they must place on an unoccupied space during their first turn. The remaining pieces are stacked on the board according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move stacks of pieces, with the number of spaces equal to the number of pieces in the stack. Only stacks with the player’s topmost piece can be moved.

Merging Stacks: When a stack lands on another, they merge. If the new stack has more than five pieces, excess pieces are removed from the bottom.

Capturing Pieces: Removed pieces from the bottom are captured if they belong to an opponent; if they belong to the player, they are reserved for later use.

Winning Conditions: The game ends when only one player can still move pieces. Alternative win conditions include capturing a set number of opponent pieces, varying by the number of players.

Two Players: First to capture six opponent pieces.

Three Players: First to capture ten pieces of any color.

Four Players: First to capture two pieces of each opponent’s color or ten total pieces.

Player Experience

Playing Focus requires a blend of strategic thinking and tactical execution. Players need to manage their stacks carefully, balancing the power of large stacks with the risk of them being targeted. The game is praised for its original mechanics, such as stack movement and piece capturing, which were innovative for its time.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Ahead of its time with stacking and capturing mechanics.

Strategic Depth: Offers deep strategic gameplay, especially in two-player matches.

Versatile: Supports various player counts with adjustable win conditions.

Awards: Won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres in 1981.

Cons

Potential Stalemates: Games can sometimes end in stalemates, especially if players are cautious.

Learning Curve: While easy to learn, mastering the game takes time and practice.

Length: Can be lengthy, especially without using alternative win conditions.

Personal Thoughts on Focus

Focus is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with depth and complexity, and it remains a great choice for both casual and serious gamers. Despite some potential for stalemates, the game’s unique mechanics and strategic depth make it a timeless classic worth exploring.

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