When I first got into tabletop games as a hobby there were a lot of terms and terminology which was sometimes confusing of not clear. I thought i’d cover some of these. Starting with Abstract Games.
What Exactly Are Abstract Board Games?
In essence, abstract board games are a genre of board games that prioritise strategic thinking and tactical maneuvering over luck or complex themes. They often feature simple rules and elegant gameplay, allowing players to focus purely on outsmarting their opponents.
Key Characteristics of Abstract Board Games:
- Minimal Theming: Forget elaborate backstories, intricate character arcs, and convoluted lore. Abstract games strip away all the fluff, focusing on pure gameplay mechanics.
- Emphasis on Strategy: These games demand careful planning, anticipation of your opponent’s moves, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Elegant Simplicity: While the gameplay itself can be complex, the rules are typically easy to learn. This allows players to quickly grasp the core concepts and dive into the strategic depths.
- Focus on Player Interaction: Many abstract games involve direct confrontation, forcing players to constantly react to each other’s moves and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Why Should You Give Abstract Board Games a Try?
There are a few main reasons why you might enjoy an abstract board game
- Sharpen Your Mind: These games are fantastic for honing your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Enjoy Pure Gameplay: Free from the distractions of elaborate themes, you can truly appreciate the depth of the game mechanics. One of the things I love about this hobby is some of the artwork but i know some people prefer games with less of a theme.
- Challenge Yourself: Many abstract games offer a significant intellectual challenge, keeping you engaged and entertained for hours.
What are some examples of Abstract Boad games
- Qwirkle: Qwirkle is a tile-laying game that combines pattern recognition with strategic placement. We’ve played this hundreds of times over the years and has been a Christmas day family favourite.
- Azul: (Pictured) A beautiful and elegant game where players compete to create stunning mosaics. Azul is one of my all time favourite games and also a great gateway game.
- Hive: Hive is a pocket-sized game with unique hexagonal pieces that allows for dynamic and unpredictable gameplay.
- Chess: A timeless classic that needs no introduction, Chess is a game of strategy, tactics, and patience. Also a game I am terrible at but probably the best known Abstract game.
- Patchwork: A unique game where players sew together a quilt while managing their time and resources.
- Onitama: A fast-paced game of strategic combat with a focus on movement and attack patterns.
So, there you have it! A brief introduction to the world of abstract board games. I encourage you to explore this genre and discover the intellectual delights that await. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy them.