Gonnect (2000) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gonnect is an abstract strategy board game designed by Néstor Romeral Andrés and released in in 2000. The game is designed for 2 players and is recommended for ages 10 and up. The game features enclosure and pattern building mechanics, making it a challenging and strategic game for players.

Game Components of Gonnect

Standard Go equipment (stones and a grid board)

13×13 or 15×15 grid board

No passing allowed, which distinguishes it from traditional Go

How To Setup Gonnect

To set up Gonnect, players begin with an empty grid. The game uses the pie rule to determine who moves first. The setup is straightforward, with the board and stones ready for play as in a traditional Go game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Connect opposite edges of the board (top and bottom, or left and right) with a chain of stones in your color.

Connection Rule: A connection is formed between adjacent pieces of the same color along horizontal or vertical lines.

Chain Rule: A chain is a group of pieces connected through adjacent horizontal or vertical pieces.

Liberty Rule: A stone has liberty if it is adjacent to an empty point; a chain is considered to have liberty if any stone in it has liberty.

Suicide Rule: Forbidden to play a stone that creates a chain without liberties, unless it completes a capture and creates a liberty.

Ko Rule: Forbidden to recreate the same board position as after the previous move.

No Passing: Players cannot pass their turn.

Player Experience

Gonnect combines the strategic depth of Go with the connection objective of games like Hex. The game progresses through three stages: the board-filling stage where players race to connect sides, the eye-making stage where players form safe groups, and the eye-filling stage where players fill in their own territory or destroy their opponent’s. Skilled players often find themselves in temporary deadlocks, necessitating careful management of territory to force a connection and win.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Combines elements of Go and connection games, offering complex strategies.

Simple Rules: Despite the complexity, the rules are relatively simple to learn.

Engaging Gameplay: Players must balance short-term and long-term goals, making each game engaging and challenging.

Cons

Learning Curve: While the rules are simple, mastering the game requires significant practice and understanding of Go-like strategies.

Lengthy Games: Games between skilled players can be lengthy due to the strategic depth and potential deadlocks.

Board Size Dependence: Smaller boards, like 9×9, give a strong advantage to the first player, which can affect game balance.

Personal Thoughts on Gonnect

Gonnect is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games and are familiar with Go. It offers a unique blend of territory management and connection objectives, making it a great choice for those looking to challenge themselves beyond traditional Go. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complex strategies and potential for lengthy games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.