Game Types: Abstract Strategy Games

Chess, Checkers, Go, Mancala, and many more ancient and classic games fall under our next game type category: Abstract Games.  Abstract have been called the "purest of games" for their elegant designs, use of logic and little use of chance.

While I enjoy some abstract games, these games are definitely not my game of choice.  I have found that abstract games tend to appeal to the most people and can be some of the most beautiful games in my collection.

Hallmarks of Abstract Games

Theme

Abstract games use absolutely no theme or a theme that has no impact on the play of the game.  What's the theme of checkers?  There isn't one; two players using different color circular discs move them about the board under a strict set of rules with the goal of eliminating the other player.  Chess can be considered an abstract game with a theme.  Two medieval armies are attacking each other, protecting their king.  But this theme has little bearing on the game play itself.  It's more about math than war.  In fact, it would make a great geometry lesson.


Game Play

There are countless abstract games.   In fact I found a website: Abstract Strategy.com whose stated mission is to act as a tool for the game preservationist and keep a list of all abstract games.  It is a very extensive site and a great read for those interested in abstract games.

Even with the amount of abstract games there are there are still similarities between all abstract games.  The first thing is the almost complete elimination of chance.  Abstract games come with no cards, dice, or anything else that would take away from the pure strategy of the game.  Some would argue that luck is still involved with all games, but it is minimal.  Maybe a player makes an advantageous move without realizing its impact or picks a better starting position.  Lucky? Perhaps.

Another important aspect of abstract games is that there is no hidden information or bluffing.  Each player can clearly see all the games pieces, you can't hide information from your opponent.  This allows players to develop an overall strategy for the game without worrying if a rule breaking card or a poor dice roll will ruin the strategy.  Of course there are exceptions to this role.  Many of us have played the game Stratego, which is an abstract game involving hidden pieces and bluffing.

The last aspect of abstract games is the use of logic and puzzles.  Think of Tetris as an example.  In Tetris, you are presented with pieces and must put together the puzzle to your best advantage.  Do you take the risk and hope for that long straight piece and leave a space for it are do cover up that hole now?  In abstract games players give the puzzle to each other and try to create that hardest puzzle and discover how to solve their own faster than the opponent.

Components

I said earlier that abstract games are some of the most beautiful games in my collection.  There are no absolute musts for game components in abstract games.  Good abstract games usually come with high quality components that have great attention to detail.   Think of the art that can go into Chess pieces.  Even simplistic design can be elegant.  The ancient game Go, involves a simple board and white and black player pieces.  Its beauty can not be denied.