Yoxii

About this board game

Yoxii is a two-player abstract game played in about 15 minutes, where players move a central totem and surround it with pieces to create the highest-value circle.

The game board contains 37 squares and resembles a plus sign. The totem begins in the center, and players take turns moving it orthogonally or diagonally. It may move to an adjacent empty space, or travel over any number of pieces belonging to the moving player before landing on an empty space. The totem cannot jump over an opponent’s piece.

After moving the totem, place one of your pieces on an empty space adjacent to it. If every adjacent space is occupied, you may instead place one of your pieces on any empty space on the board. Each player has 18 pieces: five valued 1, five valued 2, five valued 3, and three valued 4.

• Players: 2
• Playing time: approximately 15 minutes
• Board: 37 squares in a plus-shaped layout
• Pieces: 18 per player, with values from 1 to 4

The game ends when the totem can no longer move. Players then add the values of their pieces adjacent to the totem. The player with the higher total wins. If the totals are tied, the victory goes to the player with more pieces adjacent to the totem.

With its restricted movement, changing central position, and valued pieces, Yoxii asks players to decide both where to move the totem and which pieces to place around it. Every placement can affect the final score, making the closing position the key to determining the winner.