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Hijara (1995)

ByMichail

Hijara

Hijara is a two-player abstract strategy board game played with small stones, designed by Martin H. Samuel.

Game Components of Hijara

  • Numbered Game Board:** 16 squares divided into 4 sections numbered 1 through 4
  • Stones:** 35 yellow sun and 35 blue moon small glass stones, with extra stones provided for each player
  • Velour Pouch:** For storing the stones
  • Instructions:** Included for setup and gameplay

    How To Setup Hijara

    To set up Hijara, start with an empty board. Each player chooses either yellow or blue stones and takes 32 stones of their chosen color, plus one score-keeper stone. The board has a score-keeping “ladder” on either end. The game is ready to begin once the stones are distributed and the board is laid out.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Score the most points by placing stones on the board to build and/or block point-scoring combinations.
  • Gameplay:**
    – Players take turns placing one stone at a time on any square.
    – Stones must be placed in the lowest-numbered open section of the square.
    – Three ways to score points:

  • 10 Points:** 4 stones of the same color on 4 numbers of a kind in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
  • 15 Points:** 4 stones of the same color in numerical sequence (i.e., 1-2-3-4) in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
  • 20 Points:** 4 stones of the same color in one square.
    – Points are accrued throughout the game and are never deducted.
    – The game ends when the last stone is placed, and the player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    Hijara offers a engaging and challenging experience for players, requiring strategic thinking and attention to detail. The game’s unique mechanics, such as the numerical sequencing and blocking strategies, make each game distinct and unpredictable. Players must balance between scoring points and blocking their opponent’s potential scoring combinations.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Requires tactical planning and strategic thinking.
  • Replayability:** No two games are alike due to the various possible stone placements.
  • Simple to Learn:** Easy setup and rules, but challenging to master.
  • Awards and Recognition:** Featured in Games Magazine’s 1995 Buyers Guide and 1996 Top 100, and received the Spiel Gut Recommendation in 2006.

    Cons

  • Limited Players:** Designed for two players only.
  • Component Quality:** Some players might find the glass stones or board quality variable depending on the edition.
  • Setup Time:** Although quick, some might find the initial stone distribution slightly tedious.

    Personal Thoughts on Hijara

    Hijara is an excellent game for those who enjoy abstract strategy and are looking for a game that challenges their tactical and strategic skills. It is ideal for players aged 10 and up, particularly those who appreciate games that require concentration and planning. The game’s portability and relatively short playing time of 35 minutes make it a great addition to any gamer’s collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a multiplayer experience or a game with a more complex theme.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl