King’s Court (1986) Board Game

King’s Court is a classic abstract strategy game that was first released in in 1986. Designed by Christopher Wroth, the game is known for its simple yet challenging gameplay that appeals to both casual and serious gamers. With a runtime of 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 7 and above, King’s Court has stood the test of time as a beloved two-player game.

Game Components of King’s Court

Board: An 8×8 grid with squares rotated 45 degrees, featuring a central 4×4 area known as the King’s Court.

Pieces: 24 markers of two colors (orange and green).

Components Quality: Solid but unspectacular; the board is generic, but the pieces are sturdy.

How To Setup King’s Court

To set up the game, place the board in the center of the table. Distribute the pieces on the beige squares on the outside of the board, alternating colors. The player using the orange pieces makes the first move.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initial Moves: The first move involves the orange player moving a piece into the middle section, followed by the green player doing the same.

Subsequent Moves: Players can move any piece to an adjacent unoccupied beige square. They must always have at least one piece in the center section.

Jumping: Players can jump over adjacent pieces to an unoccupied space on the other side. Pieces can be jumped in multiple directions, and players can jump over their own or their opponent’s pieces.

Objective: The game ends when one player has no pieces remaining in the center section; the other player wins.

Player Experience

King’s Court is known for its fast-paced and aggressive gameplay, particularly in the early stages. The unique center section of the board forces players to be active and competitive, preventing passive play. As the game progresses and pieces are removed, the pace slows down, but the strategy remains engaging.

Pros

Fast-Paced: The game starts with rapid piece jumping, making it exciting.

Strategic Depth: The center section forces aggressive play, adding a new layer of strategy compared to traditional Checkers.

Forced Engagement: Players must keep at least one piece in the center, ensuring continuous interaction.

Cons

Components: While solid, the components are not spectacular, and the game’s aesthetic is generic.

Availability: The game is no longer in production, making it hard to find.

Endgame Slowdown: As pieces are removed, the game can become slower and less dynamic.

Personal Thoughts on King’s Court

King’s Court is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a variation on the classic Checkers theme. It is suitable for ages 8 and up, offering a fun and engaging experience with a unique twist that enhances the typical Checkers gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that encourages active and aggressive play, King’s Court is a great choice, despite its current scarcity.

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