How To Play Blokus: The Ultimate Resource for Players, Parents, and Educators

Game Overview

Blokus, created by Bernard Tavitian , is a strategic board game that combines elements of puzzle-solving and competitive play. It's a game that challenges players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully. The game is known for its simple rules but deep strategy, making it accessible for both kids and adults. For a detailed review and more insights, check out the Blokus board game review.

Game Essential Information

Core Concepts

Primary goal: Place all your pieces on the board.

Key mechanics: Players take turns placing their pieces on the board, with each piece touching at least one corner of their own color but not the sides.

Victory conditions: The player who places all their pieces first wins. If no player can place all their pieces, the player with the fewest points remaining wins.

Setup Guide

Board Setup

1. Place the board in the center of the table.
2. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding set of 21 pieces.

Component Setup

1. Organize the pieces by size and shape for easy access.
2. Ensure each player has their full set of pieces before starting.

Player Setup

1. Players decide on a starting order.
2. The first player places any piece in the corner of the board that matches their color.
3. Subsequent players place their first piece in their respective corners.

How to Play

Turn Structure

1. On your turn, place one of your pieces on the board.
2. Each piece must touch at least one corner of another piece of the same color but cannot touch the sides.
3. Pieces can be placed in any orientation as long as they fit within the board's boundaries.

Placing Pieces

1. Start with the largest pieces to maximize your options later in the game.
2. Aim to block opponents by placing pieces strategically to limit their available spaces.
3. Use smaller pieces to fill gaps and complete your set.

Ending the Game

The game ends when one player places all their pieces or when no player can make a move. Count the remaining points for any unplaced pieces. The player with the fewest points wins.

Strategy Guide

Basic Strategies

1. Corner Control: Start by placing pieces in corners to control more space.
2. Blocking Opponents: Place pieces to block your opponents' potential moves.
3. Piece Management: Save smaller pieces for later in the game to fill small gaps.

Advanced Strategies

1. Future Planning: Think several moves ahead to ensure you have space for your larger pieces.
2. Adaptability: Be ready to change your strategy based on your opponents' moves.
3. Efficient Placement: Place pieces in a way that maximizes the number of corners available for future moves.

Player Count Strategies

How to Play Blokus with 2 People

To play Blokus with 2 players, each person controls two colors, placing one piece per turn while alternating colors. The goal is to place all your pieces while blocking your opponent. Focus on expanding diagonally, controlling key board areas, and limiting your opponent’s moves. The game ends when no more pieces can be placed, and the player with the fewest leftover squares wins.

Three-Player Game

Balance between offensive and defensive play. Watch for opportunities to block two opponents with a single move.

Four-Player Game

The board fills up quickly, so efficient piece placement is crucial. Cooperate with other players to block a common opponent when beneficial.

Common Questions

Is Blokus Board Game Worth the Investment for Families?

Blokus is an excellent investment for families. Its simple rules and engaging gameplay make it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The high-quality components ensure durability, and the game's replayability means it will be a staple on your game shelf for years to come.

How Do You Store Blokus Board Game Components?

To store Blokus components, consider using a compartmentalized box or bag to keep each player's pieces separate. This makes setup and cleanup quicker and ensures no pieces get lost.

What Happens If You Lose Pieces from Blokus Board Game?

If you lose pieces from Blokus, you can contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Alternatively, you can use small tokens or markers as substitutes until you get replacements.

Are There Any Unofficial Blokus Board Game Variants?

Yes, there are several unofficial variants created by the community. These include team play, where players pair up, and timed games, where players have a set amount of time to make their moves.

Can Adults Enjoy Blokus Board Game Without Kids?

Absolutely! Blokus offers a challenging and strategic experience that adults can enjoy. The game's depth and complexity make it a great choice for adult game nights.

What Games Are Similar to Blokus Board Game But More Advanced?

If you enjoy Blokus and are looking for more advanced games, consider trying games like Azul or Sagrada. These games offer similar strategic elements but with added complexity.

How Does Blokus Compare to Classic Board Games?

Blokus stands out from classic board games like Chess or Checkers due to its unique piece placement mechanics and strategic depth. While it shares the abstract strategy genre, Blokus offers a fresh and engaging experience that is easy to learn but hard to master.