L-Game (1968)

The L game is a simple abstract strategy board game invented by Edward de Bono and introduced in his book “The Five-Day Course in Thinking” (1967). It is a two-player game played on a board of 4×4 squares, with each player having a 3×2 L-shaped tetromino and two 1×1 neutral pieces. The game is won by leaving the opponent unable to move their L piece to a new position.The L game is popular and significant because it is a simple and engaging abstract strategy game that requires minimal equipment and can be played by people of all ages and backgrounds. The game is small enough to be completely solvable, with 2296 different possible valid ways the pieces can be arranged. The L game has been studied extensively, and it is believed that neither player will ever win or lose in a game with two perfect players.

Game Components of L game:

Board: 4×4 square boardPlayer Pieces: 1 3×2 L-shaped tetromino, 2 1×1 neutral pieces

Game Setup of L game:

Place the board on a flat surface.Each player places their L piece on an adjacent square.The game begins when both players have placed their L pieces.

Gameplay Mechanics of L game:

On each turn, a player must first move their L piece, and then may optionally move either one of the neutral pieces. The game is won by leaving the opponent unable to move their L piece to a new position.

Game Objective of L game:

The goal is to prevent the opponent from moving their L piece to a new position while trying to move one’s own L piece to a new position.

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