Block Boardgame

Afonso Semeano

About this game

In this abstract board game of strategic confrontation between two players, the objective is to block the movement of all opposing blocks, which can be achieved by: Trapping opposing pieces; Obstructing trajectories; Isolating single blocks; Defending terminal squares.
All of these actions can also be countered by: Freeing pieces; Clearing trajectories; Rescuing isolated blocks; Attacking pieces that prevent the completion of movements.
Initially, each square is filled with a block; these join together to form larger pieces that, when played to empty squares, divide into two smaller ones. Since no piece leaves the board, the mechanics of joining and dividing self-regulate the population on the game board by negative feedback.
This game aims to be a contemporary alternative to Chess. The main differences that reflect a more culturally developed society than a medieval Chess society are: There is no capital punishment in confrontations, only detention of the opponent with the possibility of later release; The objective of the game is not concentrated in a single figure (King) but spread across all the opposing elements; All pieces start with equal potential, increasing their capabilities by joining together into larger pieces; The same movement rule to which all pieces are subject gives them particular values ​​and utilities.