DVONN

2001

DVONN, a strategic board game where players stack and control pieces. Movement is key; disconnected stacks are lost. Aim for the tallest stack to win!

30
minutes

2 - 2
player(s)

Medium

About the game

Welcome to the intriguing world of DVONN, a captivating board game that will challenge your strategic thinking and tactical prowess. This is not just a game, it is a mental exercise that combines abstract strategy and spatial skill in a stunningly beautiful board game setting.

In the realm of DVONN, you find yourself in an abstract universe, where your primary goal is to control as many pieces as possible by the end of the game. The game is set on a hexagonal board, comprising 49 spaces. At the start of the game, players place 23 white, 23 black, and 3 red DVONN pieces on the board in a random, but strategic manner.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

DVONN is a challenging strategy board game that includes a number of components. Each of these has a specific role in gameplay and contributes to the overall experience of the game.

1. Game Board:

The game board is a hexagonal grid. It is the play area where players place their pieces and make their moves. The layout of the board can significantly influence strategy and game progress.

2. White Pieces:

Each player has 23 white pieces. The white pieces are used by players to make their moves on the game board. The goal of each player is to control as many pieces as possible by the end of the game.

3. Black Pieces:

Like the white pieces, each player also has 23 black pieces. Black pieces are used in the same way as white pieces and contribute to each player’s overall score at the end of the game.

4. Red DVONN Pieces:

There are 3 red DVONN pieces. These pieces are special and have unique abilities. A DVONN piece gives life to a stack of pieces. If a stack loses contact with a DVONN piece, the stack is removed from the game.

5. Rulebook:

The rulebook provides all the necessary information about the game. It includes instructions on how to set up the game, how to play, and how to score points. It also includes any additional rules or variations of the game.

How these components interact:

In DVONN, players alternate turns placing one of their pieces onto an empty space on the board. Once all pieces have been placed, players move stacks of pieces (a stack can be a single piece or multiple pieces stacked on top of each other) across the board. A stack is controlled by the player whose piece is on top. DVONN pieces are crucial to keep stacks alive. If a stack loses contact with any DVONN piece, that stack is removed from the game. The player who controls the most pieces in their stacks at the end of the game is the winner.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

DVONN is a strategic board game that’s part of the GIPF project, designed by Kris Burm. It involves two players, with the objective of controlling the pieces atop the highest stacks at the end of the game. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game.

Step 1: Player Roles

There are two roles in DVONN – one player plays with white pieces, and the other with black pieces. The players must decide who will play which color. Traditionally, the youngest player is given the choice.

Step 2: Board Setup

DVONN is played on a hexagonal board consisting of 49 spaces. Each player has 23 pieces in their color (white or black), with an additional three special pieces in red, known as DVONN pieces.

Step 3: Placement of DVONN pieces

Before the game starts, the three DVONN pieces are placed on the board. The players take turns placing these pieces, starting with the player who chose their color first. These pieces can be placed on any unoccupied space on the board. Remember, the placement of these pieces can have a significant impact on the game’s strategy, so choose wisely!

Step 4: Placement of Players’ Pieces

After the DVONN pieces are placed, players take turns to place their own pieces on the board. They can place their pieces on any unoccupied space, adjacent to any piece already on the board. The player with the white pieces starts first.

Step 5: Random Element

While DVONN is a game of strategy, there is a random element involved. The initial placement of the DVONN pieces and the players’ pieces can drastically change the course of the game. The players must adapt their strategies based on these initial placements.

Once all the pieces are placed on the board, the game can begin. The strategy involves moving stacks of pieces around the board, trying to eliminate your opponent’s pieces while ensuring that your pieces remain connected to the DVONN pieces.

Game flow Round and round we go

DVONN is a strategic board game that involves two players, each trying to control as many pieces as possible. The game comprises three distinct phases: placement, moving, and scoring.

Phase 1: Placement

In the placement phase, players take turns placing the game pieces on the board. The process is as follows:

The game begins with an empty board. The players each have an equal number of pieces in their color, and there are three special DVONN pieces.
Players alternate turns, starting with the first player. On each turn, a player places one piece on an empty spot on the board. The DVONN pieces are placed like any other piece.
The placement phase continues until all pieces, including the DVONN pieces, are on the board. This ends the placement phase and begins the moving phase.

Phase 2: Moving

In the moving phase, players take turns moving stacks of pieces across the board. Here’s how it works:

On each turn, a player must move a stack of pieces. A stack is one or more pieces in a single spot, with the topmost piece determining who controls the stack.
A stack is moved in a straight line, the number of spaces equal to the number of pieces in the stack. It must land on another stack, with the moving stack placed on top.
If a player cannot make a valid move, they pass their turn. If both players pass in succession, the moving phase ends and the scoring phase begins.

Phase 3: Scoring

In the scoring phase, players add up the pieces in their stacks:

All stacks that are not connected to at least one DVONN piece are removed from the board.
Each player counts the total number of pieces in their stacks (including DVONN pieces).
The player with the most pieces in their stacks is the winner. In case of a tie, the player with the most stacks wins.

And that’s the basic structure of a DVONN game. With its blend of strategy and chance, each game unfolds in unique ways.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

DVONN is a strategy board game that requires players to make tactical decisions. During a player’s turn in DVONN, there are certain actions they can take and strategic choices they need to make.

Placement Phase:

At the beginning of the game, players take turns placing the pieces on the board. They may place either one of their own pieces or the special DVONN pieces. The placement of these pieces can greatly affect the outcome of the game. Placing them in strategic locations can help players form stacks they control or block the opponent’s moves.

Moving Phase:

Once all the pieces are placed, players take turns moving the stacks of pieces. A player can only move a stack if they control it, meaning one of their pieces is on top. The stack is moved in a straight line as many spaces as there are pieces in the stack. Players can’t split up a stack or merge stacks together during a move.
Players must also consider the DVONN pieces during this phase. Stacks that are not connected to a DVONN piece (directly or through a chain of stacks) are removed from the board. Therefore, controlling stacks near DVONN pieces can be a key strategy for survival in the game.
A player can strategically choose to move an opponent’s stack onto one of their own, thereby gaining control of the combined stack. However, the higher the stack, the less flexibility in movement, as the stack can only move as many spaces as it has pieces.

End of the Game:

The game ends when no more moves are possible. Players then add up the total number of pieces in the stacks they control. The player with the most pieces is the winner. Therefore, a strategy to amass as many pieces as possible, through thoughtful placement and movement, can help secure a victory.

To summarize, a player’s turn in DVONN involves strategic decisions regarding where to place pieces, which stacks to move, and how to maintain connection with DVONN pieces. Each decision can significantly impact the game, demonstrating the depth and complexity of DVONN.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

DVONN is a strategic board game that requires players to make tactical decisions to control the game’s pieces and the board itself. The game ends when no more moves can be made. The following steps detail the game’s end and the victory conditions:

1. End of Game:

The game of DVONN ends when no player can make a valid move. This usually occurs when all the pieces on the board are part of a stack, and all stacks are blocked by other stacks.

2. Victory Conditions:

The player who controls the most pieces on top of the stacks at the end of the game is declared the winner. It’s important to note that the height of the stacks does not matter, only the total number of pieces in the player’s stacks.

3. Actions before Final Scoring:

Before final scoring occurs, players must:

Ensure that all possible moves have been made and that no other moves can be done.
Count the number of pieces in their stacks. This includes all pieces, not just those on top of stacks.
Check that no stacks are isolated from DVONN pieces (red pieces). Any stacks that are not in contact with at least one DVONN piece are removed from the board before final scoring.

4. Final Scoring:

Once the steps above have been completed, final scoring can take place. The player with the most pieces in their stacks wins the game. If there is a tie, the player with the highest total stack height wins.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

DVONN is a captivating and deeply strategic board game. The premise of the game revolves around stacking pieces and controlling stacks to earn points. Here, let’s dive into the full scoring system and rules in DVONN, including how points are awarded and tie-breaking rules:

Points Awarding System

At the end of the game, each player counts the number of pieces in all stacks they control on the board. A player controls a stack if their color piece is on top.
The height of the stack is the number of pieces it contains. Thus, if a player controls a stack of five pieces, they are awarded five points.
DVONN pieces (the red ones) are also counted as part of a stack.

Tie-Breaking Rules

If the total number of pieces in each player’s stacks is equal, the player who controls the tallest stack is the winner.
In case the tallest stack is also the same height, the player with the second tallest stack wins, and so on until a winner is determined.
If all stacks are the same height, then the game ends in a draw.

Ultimately, the strategic depth of DVONN lies not just in figuring out where to place and move your pieces, but also in predicting how your opponent will respond to your moves. It is a game of deep thought, careful planning, and strategic foresight.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

DVONN is a challenging strategy board game, part of the GIPF project. While the game is generally simple to play, there are some special rules and exceptions that players should be aware of:

1. DVONN Pieces:

The red DVONN pieces are special game pieces. They not only contribute to the stack height but also provide lifelines to all the pieces in the game. Any stack that loses connection to a DVONN piece during the game is removed from the board.

2. Stack Movement:

During the game, players move stacks of pieces. The number of spaces a stack can move equals the number of pieces within the stack. However, only the top piece’s color matters when determining who controls the stack.

3. Stack Control Transfer:

When a stack moves onto another stack, the entire stack comes under the control of the player whose piece is on top. This can result in the control of a stack changing multiple times during the game.

4. Game End:

The game ends not only when all possible moves have been made, but also when one player has no more pieces of their color on the board, regardless of the number of unplayed pieces in the other player’s reserve.

5. No Passing Rule:

Unlike some board games, in DVONN, a player cannot pass their turn. If a player cannot move, they lose the game immediately.

Important Rule Clarifications:

Stack Height: The height of a stack is determined by counting all pieces, including the DVONN pieces. The DVONN pieces do not have special privileges regarding stack height.
Stack Movement Limit: A stack can move in a straight line only, and the number of spaces moved cannot exceed the number of pieces in the stack.
Isolation of DVONN Pieces: If a stack with a DVONN piece becomes isolated (i.e., no adjacent stacks), it is not removed from the board because DVONN pieces provide their own lifeline.
Multiple DVONN Pieces in a Stack: A stack can contain more than one DVONN piece. This does not affect the movement or control of the stack in any way.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies for DVONN:

DVONN is a strategic board game that requires players to capture pieces of their opponents while maintaining control of the DVONN pieces. Here are some advanced strategies:

Always try to maintain control of the DVONN pieces. They are your lifelines.
Stacks with DVONN pieces cannot be removed, use this to your advantage.
Create larger stacks to increase your control over the board.
Try to isolate the opponent’s pieces by breaking their connection with DVONN pieces.

Beginner Tips for DVONN:

If you are new to DVONN, these tips will help you understand the game better:

Start by focusing on understanding how the pieces move and capture.
Remember, the goal is to control more pieces, not just to capture.
Try to keep your pieces connected to the DVONN pieces.
Practice makes perfect. Play the game multiple times to get a feel of the strategies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in DVONN:

While playing DVONN, avoid these common mistakes to improve your gameplay:

Don’t focus too much on capturing the opponent’s pieces, instead aim for control.
Avoid creating stacks without a DVONN piece in it, as they can be easily removed.
Don’t neglect your DVONN pieces. Losing them can cost you the game.
Try not to isolate your pieces from the DVONN pieces.

Optimizing Gameplay in DVONN:

To optimize your gameplay in DVONN, consider these strategies:

Maintain a balance of offense and defense. While it’s important to capture your opponent’s pieces, you also need to protect your own.
Plan your moves in advance. Try to predict your opponent’s moves and plan accordingly.
Take your time. DVONN is a game of strategy, not speed.
Always keep an eye on the DVONN pieces. They can turn the game around.