Pente (1977)

About this game

Pente is an abstract strategy game. Players place glass markers on intersections of a 19-by-19 grid (the same as in Go). The object of the game is to get five of your own markers in a row (4 with more than 2 players) or capture five pairs of your opponent's pieces. The first to do either wins. Capturing takes place when exactly two pieces are sandwiched between pieces of the opposite color. There are multiple variations of the game for greater challenge and complexity. The 20th anniversary edition is a deluxe version of the game with a large color game instruction book, quality game board, and six sets of different colored glass markers that allows play with up to 6 players. Other five-in-a-row games include Go-Moku and Renju (which do not feature capturing), and Ninuki-Renju (which does). Similar to: 5ive Straight Take 5 5 in a Row Go-Moku Renju

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 2.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.