Pentago by Continuum is a simple game to learn but puts your strategic thinking to work with every turn. There are elements of other games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Othello, and Connect 4 here, but because the board is divided into 4 moveable squares that players rotate throughout the game, it is more difficult to plan and anticipate both long- and short-term strategies. Here is how it works:
Pentago has a platform that holds four 3x3 boards with indentations to hold 36 marbles. Each player takes 18 white or black marbles. On a turn, a player puts one marble on any one of the empty spaces on the game board. They must then choose any one of the 3x3 boards to turn 90 degrees in any direction. The goal is to place 5 of your marbles in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Because there are only three indentations in a row on each of the 3x3 boards, you must plan ahead for where to place your marbles, which of the four boards to turn in which direction, and how to block your opponent from having 5 marbles in a row either when they place their marble or after they turn a board. This sounds simple, but each board turn changes the row continuity on three of the 4 boards!
This is the deluxe solid birch edition and will easily become a family favorite. It plays in 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for a filler game or family tournament play! ~ Marsha