While players will always offer the least number of squares to their opponents, the urge to use one’s Blockers may come earlier than required. Blockers are primarily end-game pieces; winning the game may prove difficult if players use all their blockers too soon. Hence, in the early stages of the game, to help break up the flow of squares, single-square sacrifices may help. These one-point squares can function as blocks, keeping later strings of squares short and allowing a player to hold on to their blockers longer.
Why Blockers?
In the original game of Connect the Dots or Boxes, the last player to make a series of squares would usually be the player getting a large string of squares. Blockers help break up long strands, but players must use them wisely. Use them too early, and you may be wishing you had saved them for later.
Minimize the Squares You Give
It is natural in the early formation of the board to offer as few spaces as possible to an opponent with the least number of points. Count them out in your head. Also, be aware that sometimes your opponent won’t see the whole connection of spaces. Don’t tell them. Wait until they finish their move and take those extra spaces for yourself. Remember that it is not about how many chips you have on the board but the number of points earned.
Squarin’ Off can be mind-bending in its strategy as any traditional game. No luck is involved. A person will find a style of play best suited for them in an ever-changing board. The more you play, the better feeling of what can be done to divert long strands and make the necessary sacrifices to turn the board in your favor.
Teams?
Team play is possible, but team players must sit diagonally opposed to one another. No hints to be passed along to either player. Deduct the amount of the highest point square in the strand.
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