Sixteen Soldiers

Also known as “Cows and Leopards” or “Sholo guti,” Sixteen Soldiers is a two-player abstract strategy board game originating from Sri Lanka. The game has been played in the region for centuries, with its history dating back to the 19th century when it was documented by Henry Parker in his book “Ancient Ceylon: An Account of the Aborigines and of Part of the Early Civilisation”. The game is popular and significant due to its rich history and cultural connections.

Game Components of Sixteen Soldiers

Board: A grid with intersecting lines.

Pieces: 16 stones or soldiers for each player.

Players: 2 players.

How To Setup Sixteen Soldiers

To set up the game, each player places their 16 stones on the intersections of the lines, with one player’s pieces on the left side of the board and the other player’s on the right.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture all of the opponent’s pieces/soldiers.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns moving one stone to an adjacent intersection.
– A player can capture an opponent’s stone by sandwiching it between two of their own stones.

Player Experience

Sixteen Soldiers offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience. The strategy lies in carefully planning each move to capture the opponent’s pieces while protecting your own. The game requires focus and forward thinking, making it appealing to fans of abstract strategy games.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategy.

Historical Significance: Played for centuries in different cultures.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only suitable for two players.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive after multiple sessions.

Personal Thoughts on Sixteen Soldiers

Sixteen Soldiers is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It is a great option for players who appreciate historical games and are interested in exploring different cultural gaming traditions. However, it may not be the best choice for groups or those seeking a game with a high level of complexity or variety in gameplay mechanics.

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.