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I would like to revive an older post here, just to bring to attention the possible need for a new rule in Blokus Duo.
Spacecowboy in a previous post pointed out that if the second player decides to mirror the first player's every move, the result appears to be a certain draw.
After some experimentation, I think that is indeed the case. Try it yourself and see!
The essential mirror breaker is the centre 4 spaces. If the first player can occupy 3 of these 4 spaces, then the second player cannot make a mirror move.
However it may take several turns before it is realised that one player is just copying the other's tile placements and by then it may be impossible to cover 3 of the 4 centre spaces. Result - a tedious draw.
Spacecowboy also suggested that to stop the mirror, simply have a rule that the second player must make their first move with a tile shape different to the first player's tile.
This seems to be the best and simplest solution. Any other thoughts on this?
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Russ Williams
Poland
Wrocław
Dolny Śląsk
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Given that the first player can break mirroring with the standard rules, I don't see why a special rule needs to be added...?
Seems like a fine house rule / variant if you like it, but it certainly doesn't seem needed to prevent mirroring.
BTW: I suggest this be moved to the Variants forum.
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I agree, Russ, that the mirror can be broken within the current rules if the first player occupies 3 of the 4 centre squares. But a player may not want to play in the centre or may not know that their opponent is going to adopt the mirror tactic, until it is too late and the center play has become impossible.
The suggested new rule, that the starting tiles be of different types, should prevent the mirror tactic being employed at all.
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Matthew M Monin
United States
Branford
Connecticut
8/8 FREE, PROTECTED
513ers Assemble!
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Moved to Variants
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