Tetris (1989)

About this game

"The ultimate test of advanced territorial strategy for all the family" is an attempt to transform a computer solitaire game into a two-player strategy board game. Players get random tetris pieces and have to build their territories the most compact they can. When a player fills one or more lines, depending on their numbers gets to move the central separator towards his opponent, limiting his space. Compacting space, without the time pressure of the original arcade, is pretty simple, and deciding if to wait to fill your own lines becomes the central point of the game. This should not be confused with the Milton Bradley Tetris or Tetris Tower 3D.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.6/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 7 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.