The image shows a board game cover with the title "PICARIA" in bold yellow lettering, subtitled "A Game from the Pueblos." Above the title, it reads "Classic Games from around the World," and the logo of "New Venture Games" is at the top. The background design features a gray textured surface with a patterned border representing a traditional Pueblo style.
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Picaria (1700)

Picaria

Picaria is a two-player abstract strategy game originating from the Zuni Native American Indians or the Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest. It is related to games like tic-tac-toe, three men’s morris, Nine Holes, Achi, Tant Fant, and Shisima, as pieces can be moved to create a three-in-a-row. The game was played by indigenous peoples in the North American southwest, and it is believed to have been adapted from a similar game played in Spain.

Why is Picaria Popular?

Picaria is a popular and significant game because it is a part of the rich cultural history of the indigenous communities in the American Southwest. It is an abstract strategy game that requires players to use their thinking skills, plan ahead, and anticipate their opponent’s possible actions. The game is easy to learn and can be played with simple tokens and a homemade or printable game board.

Game Components of Picaria

To play Picaria, you will need:
– 2 enthusiastic players
– 3 tokens per player, with each player having a different color token
– A game board, which can be drawn or printed.

Game Setup of Picaria

Each player chooses a color and places their three tokens on the game board. The game board consists of a 3×3 grid with three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines connecting the opposite corners of the board. The first player moves their token, and the game proceeds with each player taking turns moving their tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics of Picaria

Picaria is an alignment game, with the goal being to create a three-in-a-row of one’s pieces either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The game includes a “drop phase” and a “move phase”.

Game Objective of Picaria

The objective of the game is to create a three-in-a-row of one’s pieces on the game board.

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