Ponte del Diavolo (2007) – Board Game Guys

Ponte del Diavolo

Ponte del Diavolo is a two-player placement game invented by Martin Ebel and first published by Hans im Glück in 2007. The game is set in Venice, but it is an abstract game. The game’s name, which means “Devil’s Bridge” in Italian, is inspired by the Ponte della Maddalena, a bridge in Tuscany that has inspired numerous stories about its origin.

Why is Ponte del Diavolo Popular?

Ponte del Diavolo is an underappreciated gem of a game. It is a tactical game that challenges players to create as many islands as they can and connect them to each other with bridges. The game is popular among abstract game enthusiasts who appreciate its simple rules and deep Gameplay Mechanics of Ponte del Diavolo.

Game Components of Ponte del Diavolo

Board: A 10-by-10 square grid.

Tiles: Two sets of colored tiles (light and dark).

Bridges: Used to connect tiles of the same color.

No random elements: Ensures a purely strategic game environment.

How To Setup Ponte del Diavolo

To set up the game, the first player places two tiles of their chosen color on any two spots on the board. The second player then decides whether to accept these tiles as their own or switch colors, taking the placed tiles as their starting move. This mechanism, known as the pie-rule, helps balance the first-move advantage.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Placement: Players take turns placing two tiles or one bridge on the board.
– No tiles or bridges can be moved or removed once placed.

Islands and Sandbanks:
– An island is a formation of exactly four tiles of the same color, touching side-to-side.
– Sandbanks are groups of 1, 2, or 3 tiles of the same color.

Distance Rule: Islands and sandbanks of the same color cannot touch each other, even diagonally.

Bridges: Connect two tiles of the same color with one space separating them.

Scoring: Single islands score 1 point, while connected islands score points based on the triangular number sequence (e.g., two connected islands score 3 points, three connected islands score 6 points).

Game End: The game ends when a player cannot place two tiles and chooses to pass. The player with the most points wins; ties are broken by the number of islands and then the number of bridges.

Player Experience

Ponte del Diavolo offers a deeply strategic experience with simple yet profound rules. Players must carefully plan their tile placements and bridge constructions to maximize their scores. The game requires a keen eye for potential island formations and the ability to block opponents’ strategies. The dynamic nature of the game, where the end can come sooner than expected, adds a layer of urgency and tactical complexity.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Despite simple rules, the game offers rich and complex gameplay.

No Luck Involved: Purely strategic, making it appealing to fans of abstract games.

Quick Setup: Setup time is minimal, getting players into the game quickly.

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of island formation and bridge building keeps players engaged.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: New players need to understand the concept of “poisoned tiles” and the distance rule, which can be non-intuitive.

Complex Scoring: The scoring system, based on triangular numbers, may require some time to get used to.

Potential for Early Game End: The game can end abruptly if players are not careful with their tile placements.

Personal Thoughts on Ponte del Diavolo

Ponte del Diavolo is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who appreciate deep, tactical gameplay without the influence of luck. It is a great choice for players looking to challenge themselves and improve their strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is certainly a gem for those who enjoy games like Go or other territorial games. With its balance of simplicity in rules and complexity in strategy, Ponte del Diavolo stands out as a rewarding and engaging game.

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.