The Game of Y
1953
A two-player, 20-minute connection game where alternating turns and careful stone placement aim to link three board edges.
20
minutes
2 - 2
player(s)
10+
Medium Heavy
About this board game
The Game of Y is a two-player connection game played in about 20 minutes on a specially shaped triangular board. First released in 1953, it challenges players to link three edges of the board using stones of their own color.
On each turn, a player places a single stone, and turns strictly alternate. There is no movement and no capture, keeping the focus on placement and the evolving connection pattern. Every stone contributes to the larger attempt to connect three edges, making each turn part of a direct and clearly defined objective.
The Game of Y is a direct descendant of Hex. It is also identified as a predecessor of Poly-Y, Star, and *Star, placing it within a broader lineage of connection games. The game has also been generalized by Begird.
- Players: 2
- Play time: 20 minutes
- Board: Special triangular shape
- Core action: Place one stone per turn
- Goal: Link three edges with stones of your color
The same triangular board is also used for Aliens and Amazons, Sexta, and Singularity. With its alternating turns, absence of movement or capture, and concise connection goal, The Game of Y presents a focused abstract contest built entirely around stone placement.
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