TZAAR*
TZAAR is a compelling abstract strategy game that emphasizes the delicate balance of weakening your opponent versus strengthening your own position. With 30 pieces each, divided among Tzaars, Tzarras, and Totts, players navigate a game of tactical decisions where every move counts. The core challenge lies in managing these three distinct types of pieces, each essential to the game's strategy, as players aim to either deplete one type of the opponent's pieces or trap them in a position where they can't capture anymore.
Gameplay Overview
- Strategic Depth: Players must continuously choose between capturing an opponent's piece or stacking their own for strength.
- Piece Interdependence: The three types of pieces rely on each other, making every decision impactful on the game's outcome.
Special Features
- Unique Piece Types: The game features Tzaars, Tzarras, and Totts, each with its role and importance in the game's strategy.
- Dual Win Conditions: Players can win by either making the opponent run out of one type of piece or rendering them unable to capture.
Conclusion
TZAAR is a deeply strategic game that requires players to think several moves ahead, balancing offense and defense. The game replaced TAMSK in the project GIPF series, offering a more fitting challenge that aligns with the series' emphasis on abstract strategic depth. Whether strengthening your position or weakening your opponent's, TZAAR challenges players with the critical question of every turn: to capture or to stack? This game is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in game design, providing endless strategic possibilities within its minimalistic ruleset.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.
- 2 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Easy to learn
We like TZAAR so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024
- Position 5 in All "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année"🇫🇷 2009 winners & nominees compared.
- Position 5 in All "Spiel des Jahres🇩🇪 2008" game award winners & nominees in comparison
- Position 18 in The best combinatorial games 🧮
- Position 16 in The Best Games from HUCH! 🇩🇪🏢
- Position 9 in The best games presented at the Spiel 2007 game fair in Essen, Germany
- Position 7 in The best games where the map is gradually reduced in size 🗺