Tips boop - Revision history

DavoWapta: /* Tip # 4 - Prioritize your three-in-a-rows based on their value */

2024-11-06T19:07:56Z

Tip # 4 - Prioritize your three-in-a-rows based on their value

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 6 November 2024
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	3) Two Kittens + One Cat = Moderate profit. You take three pieces off the board in exchange for two promotions.		3) Two Kittens + One Cat = Moderate profit. You take three pieces off the board in exchange for two promotions.

	4) One Kitten + ~~Three~~ Cats = Least amount of profit. You take three pieces off the board in exchange for one promotion.		4) One Kitten + Two Cats = Least amount of profit. You take three pieces off the board in exchange for one promotion.

	=== Tip # 5 - All 8 Feline Threat ===		=== Tip # 5 - All 8 Feline Threat ===

BoopMaster at 14:11, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T14:11:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:11, 13 May 2024
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	View the Wiki page here to learn the tips on Boop: [~~[Tips boop]~~]		View the Wiki page here to learn the tips on Boop: [https://en.doc.boardgamearena.com/Tips_boop]

	=== Tip #0 - Center is your friend ===		=== Tip #0 - Center is your friend ===

BoopMaster: Adding a tip of not touching the opponent's cats when behind

2024-05-13T14:10:47Z

Adding a tip of not touching the opponent's cats when behind

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 13 May 2024
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			View the Wiki page here to learn the tips on Boop: [[Tips boop]]

	=== Tip #0 - Center is your friend ===		=== Tip #0 - Center is your friend ===
	'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, needing to be booped three times in order to be knocked off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|'''Figure 1''' - Center of the board\|none\|thumb\|150x150px]]		'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, needing to be booped three times in order to be knocked off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|'''Figure 1''' - Center of the board\|none\|thumb\|150x150px]]
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	In Figure 2, grey initially has more pieces than orange (5 vs 3). But in a single move, it becomes (3 vs 3) because orange can boop two of grey's kittens off the board in a single move. Note that the spot that orange played can reach five perimeter cells on the board, having the potential to boop up to five pieces off the board in one move.		In Figure 2, grey initially has more pieces than orange (5 vs 3). But in a single move, it becomes (3 vs 3) because orange can boop two of grey's kittens off the board in a single move. Note that the spot that orange played can reach five perimeter cells on the board, having the potential to boop up to five pieces off the board in one move.
	[[File:Multiple Boop.jpg\|none\|thumb\|~~304x304px~~\|'''Figure 2''' - Multiple Boop]]		[[File:Multiple Boop.jpg\|none\|thumb\|405x405px\|'''Figure 2''' - Multiple Boop]]
	'''Tip #1.3 - Don't waste time setting up a three-in-a-row along the perimeter unless you have a good reason to.'''		'''Tip #1.3 - Don't waste time setting up a three-in-a-row along the perimeter unless you have a good reason to.'''

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	=== Tip # 2 - Divide your opponent ===		=== Tip # 2 - Divide your opponent ===
	Figure 3 depicts a very common opening in Boop that highlights divides the opponent's pieces. When pieces are far apart, it's harder to set up three-in-a-row with them.		Figure 3 depicts a very common opening in Boop that highlights divides the opponent's pieces. When pieces are far apart, it's harder to set up three-in-a-row with them.
	[[File:Divide.jpg\|none\|thumb\|~~458x458px~~\|'''Figure 3''' - Divide]]		[[File:Divide.jpg\|none\|thumb\|610x610px\|'''Figure 3''' - Divide]]

	=== Tip # 3 - Know the shapes ===		=== Tip # 3 - Know the shapes ===
	There are common shapes to set up 3-in-a-row.		There are common shapes to set up 3-in-a-row.
	'''L-Shape''' - This shape is a set up for getting three-in-a-row. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 4), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge.		'''L-Shape''' - This shape is a set up for getting three-in-a-row. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 4), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge.
	[[File:L-Shape.jpg\|none\|thumb\|~~150x150px~~\|'''Figure 4''' - L Shape]]		[[File:L-Shape.jpg\|none\|thumb\|200x200px\|'''Figure 4''' - L Shape]]

	=== Tip # 4 - Prioritize your three-in-a-rows based on their value ===		=== Tip # 4 - Prioritize your three-in-a-rows based on their value ===
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	'''- Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.		'''- Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.

	=== Tip # 6 - Anti-Blocking (Rare) ===		=== Tip #6 - If you have no cats in your pool but your opponent does, do not touch your opponent's cats. ===
			This is a common rookie mistake. In Figure 5, imagine that orange has a total of 3 cats while grey has 0 cats. One of the worst things to do is to have grey's kitten touching an orange cat on the board. That is because grey's kitten becomes an anchor point for orange to play another orange cat to get a 2-in-a-row. This creates a '''forcing move''' for grey having to block with their kitten; otherwise, they lose the game. But orange can constantly harass grey by booping their blocking kittens. Not only is grey behind, but grey is too busy dealing with orange's threats. If grey had at least 1 cat in their pool, they could divide orange's cats.
			[[File:TouchingCat.jpg\|none\|thumb\|608x608px\|'''Figure 5''' - Touching the opponent's cat]]

			=== Tip # 7 - Anti-Blocking (Rare) ===
	'''Advanced Tactic: Anti-Blocking''' - When you get two cats in a row, you are one cat away from winning the game. A common countermeasure is for the opponent to play a piece that occupies the spot that would enable your three-in-a-row. But there are situations that can be created where blocking is impossible such as in Figure 5. The grey cats are at the brink of getting three in a row, but the opponent cannot block it because once they do, they have established three-in-a-row which gets taken off the board, opening up the position for the grey cats to win the game. In such situations, getting three-in-row completely backfired onto the opponent because according to the rules, a three-in-a-row should be checked and removed at the end of a player's turn.		'''Advanced Tactic: Anti-Blocking''' - When you get two cats in a row, you are one cat away from winning the game. A common countermeasure is for the opponent to play a piece that occupies the spot that would enable your three-in-a-row. But there are situations that can be created where blocking is impossible such as in Figure 5. The grey cats are at the brink of getting three in a row, but the opponent cannot block it because once they do, they have established three-in-a-row which gets taken off the board, opening up the position for the grey cats to win the game. In such situations, getting three-in-row completely backfired onto the opponent because according to the rules, a three-in-a-row should be checked and removed at the end of a player's turn.
	[[File:Anti-Blocking.jpg\|none\|thumb\|~~150x150px~~\|'''Figure 5''' - Anti-Blocking]]		[[File:Anti-Blocking.jpg\|none\|thumb\|200x200px\|'''Figure 6''' - Anti-Blocking]]

BoopMaster: Adding more figures

2024-05-13T13:40:25Z

Adding more figures

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 13 May 2024
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			=== Tip #0 - Center is your friend ===
			'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, needing to be booped three times in order to be knocked off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|'''Figure 1''' - Center of the board\|none\|thumb\|150x150px]]
	=== Tip #1 - Have more pieces on the board than your opponent ===		=== Tip #1 - Have more pieces on the board than your opponent ===
	Having more pieces on the board than your opponent does not mean you're winning because the positioning of the pieces also matters. But having more of your pieces on the board give more opportunities to create threats and earn three-in-a-rows.		Having more pieces on the board than your opponent does not mean you're winning because the positioning of the pieces also matters. But having more of your pieces on the board give more opportunities to create threats and earn three-in-a-rows.
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	Conversely, if you can boop your opponent's pieces to be clustered near each other on the perimeter, that sets you up to boop several of their pieces in one move. This is often how you can have more of your pieces on the board than your opponent's pieces.		Conversely, if you can boop your opponent's pieces to be clustered near each other on the perimeter, that sets you up to boop several of their pieces in one move. This is often how you can have more of your pieces on the board than your opponent's pieces.

			In Figure 2, grey initially has more pieces than orange (5 vs 3). But in a single move, it becomes (3 vs 3) because orange can boop two of grey's kittens off the board in a single move. Note that the spot that orange played can reach five perimeter cells on the board, having the potential to boop up to five pieces off the board in one move.
			[[File:Multiple Boop.jpg\|none\|thumb\|304x304px\|'''Figure 2''' - Multiple Boop]]
	'''Tip #1.3 - Don't waste time setting up a three-in-a-row along the perimeter unless you have a good reason to.'''		'''Tip #1.3 - Don't waste time setting up a three-in-a-row along the perimeter unless you have a good reason to.'''

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	There are exceptions. For example, if your move created a situation where you have two sets of two kittens in a row, you have a double threat. Your opponent can disarm one of your threats, but you can form three-in-a-row with the remaining threat.		There are exceptions. For example, if your move created a situation where you have two sets of two kittens in a row, you have a double threat. Your opponent can disarm one of your threats, but you can form three-in-a-row with the remaining threat.

	~~'''Center'''~~ - ~~On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown~~ in ~~Figure 1. They are~~ the ~~furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board~~. ~~The closer your~~ pieces are ~~to the edges~~, ~~the easier~~ it ~~becomes~~ to ~~push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|frame\|'''Figure 1 - Center of the board'''\|none]]~~		=== Tip # 2 - Divide your opponent ===
	~~'''L-Shape''' - This shape is a~~ set up ~~for getting~~ three-in-a-row~~. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 2), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge~~.		Figure 3 depicts a very common opening in Boop that highlights divides the opponent's pieces. When pieces are far apart, it's harder to set up three-in-a-row with them.
	[[File:~~L Shape~~.~~png~~\|none\|thumb\|'''Figure 2''' - ~~L-Shape~~]]		[[File:Divide.jpg\|none\|thumb\|458x458px\|'''Figure 3''' - Divide]]

			=== Tip # 3 - Know the shapes ===
			There are common shapes to set up 3-in-a-row.
			'''L-Shape''' - This shape is a set up for getting three-in-a-row. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 4), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge.
			[[File:L-Shape.jpg\|none\|thumb\|150x150px\|'''Figure 4''' - L Shape]]

			=== Tip # 4 - Prioritize your three-in-a-rows based on their value ===
	'''Ranking of three-in-a-rows:'''		'''Ranking of three-in-a-rows:'''

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	4) One Kitten + Three Cats = Least amount of profit. You take three pieces off the board in exchange for one promotion.		4) One Kitten + Three Cats = Least amount of profit. You take three pieces off the board in exchange for one promotion.

			=== Tip # 5 - All 8 Feline Threat ===
	'''Number of pieces both on and off the board''' - an important strategy is to note the number of kittens and cats both you and the opponent have in their pool.		'''Number of pieces both on and off the board''' - an important strategy is to note the number of kittens and cats both you and the opponent have in their pool.

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	'''- Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.		'''- Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.

	'''Advanced Tactic: Anti-Blocking''' - When you get two cats in a row, you are one cat away from winning the game. A common countermeasure is for the opponent to play a piece that occupies the spot that would enable your three-in-a-row. But there are situations that can be created where blocking is impossible such as in Figure 3. The grey cats are at the brink of getting three in a row, but the opponent cannot block it because once they do, they have established three-in-a-row which gets taken off the board, opening up the position for the grey cats to win the game. In such situations, getting three-in-row completely backfired onto the opponent because according to the rules, a three-in-a-row should be checked and removed at the end of a player's turn.		=== Tip # 6 - Anti-Blocking (Rare) ===
	[[File:~~Row Backfire~~.~~png~~\|none\|thumb\|'''Figure 3:''' Anti-Blocking]]		'''Advanced Tactic: Anti-Blocking''' - When you get two cats in a row, you are one cat away from winning the game. A common countermeasure is for the opponent to play a piece that occupies the spot that would enable your three-in-a-row. But there are situations that can be created where blocking is impossible such as in Figure 5. The grey cats are at the brink of getting three in a row, but the opponent cannot block it because once they do, they have established three-in-a-row which gets taken off the board, opening up the position for the grey cats to win the game. In such situations, getting three-in-row completely backfired onto the opponent because according to the rules, a three-in-a-row should be checked and removed at the end of a player's turn.
			[[File:Anti-Blocking.jpg\|none\|thumb\|150x150px\|'''Figure 5''' - Anti-Blocking]]

BoopMaster at 02:58, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T02:58:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:58, 13 May 2024
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	Here's a reductionist model of viewing the game from a materials standpoint:		Here's a reductionist model of viewing the game from a materials standpoint:

	When you place one piece on the board, that's a +1.		When you place one piece on the board, that's a '''+1'''.

	When you place one piece on the board while booping '''an''' opponent's piece off the board, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-1''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+2'''.		When you place one piece on the board while booping '''an''' opponent's piece off the board, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-1''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+2'''.
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	Conversely, if you can boop your opponent's pieces to be clustered near each other on the perimeter, that sets you up to boop several of their pieces in one move. This is often how you can have more of your pieces on the board than your opponent's pieces.		Conversely, if you can boop your opponent's pieces to be clustered near each other on the perimeter, that sets you up to boop several of their pieces in one move. This is often how you can have more of your pieces on the board than your opponent's pieces.

			'''Tip #1.3 - Don't waste time setting up a three-in-a-row along the perimeter unless you have a good reason to.'''

			A common rookie mistake is forming two kittens in a row along the perimeter. But the opponent can boop two of your pieces off the board in a single move.

			There are exceptions. For example, if your move created a situation where you have two sets of two kittens in a row, you have a double threat. Your opponent can disarm one of your threats, but you can form three-in-a-row with the remaining threat.

	'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|frame\|'''Figure 1 - Center of the board'''\|none]]		'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|frame\|'''Figure 1 - Center of the board'''\|none]]

BoopMaster: clarifying wording

2024-05-13T02:51:01Z

clarifying wording

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:51, 13 May 2024
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	When you place one piece on the board, that's a +1.		When you place one piece on the board, that's a +1.

	When you place one piece on the board while booping '''an''' opponent's piece, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-1''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+2'''.		When you place one piece on the board while booping '''an''' opponent's piece off the board, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-1''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+2'''.

	When you place one piece on the board while booping '''two''' of your opponent's piece, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-2''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+3.'''		When you place one piece on the board while booping '''two''' of your opponent's piece off the board, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-2''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+3.'''

	When you place one piece on the board while booping '''three''' of your opponent's piece, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-3''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+4'''.		When you place one piece on the board while booping '''three''' of your opponent's piece off the board, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-3''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+4'''.

	When you place one piece on the board but boop one of your own pieces off the board, that's a '''+1''' and a '''-1''' for you. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''0'''.		When you place one piece on the board but boop one of your own pieces off the board, that's a '''+1''' and a '''-1''' for you. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''0'''.

BoopMaster: Adding tips on having more pieces than the opponent

2024-05-13T02:49:48Z

Adding tips on having more pieces than the opponent

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:49, 13 May 2024
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	~~Boop may appear chaotic at first, but there are many tactics and strategies to play the game well.~~		=== Tip #1 - Have more pieces on the board than your opponent ===
	~~[[File:Center.jpg\|left\|frame\|'''Figure~~ 1 - ~~Center of~~ the board~~''']]~~		Having more pieces on the board than your opponent does not mean you're winning because the positioning of the pieces also matters. But having more of your pieces on the board give more opportunities to create threats and earn three-in-a-rows.
	~~'''Center''' - On~~ the ~~6x6~~ board, the ~~four center squares are often~~ the ~~best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1~~. ~~They are the furthest away from the edges~~ of ~~the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer~~ your pieces ~~are to~~ the ~~edges, the easier it becomes~~ to ~~push them off the board itself~~.







			Here's a reductionist model of viewing the game from a materials standpoint:

			When you place one piece on the board, that's a +1.

			When you place one piece on the board while booping '''an''' opponent's piece, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-1''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+2'''.

			When you place one piece on the board while booping '''two''' of your opponent's piece, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-2''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+3.'''

			When you place one piece on the board while booping '''three''' of your opponent's piece, that's a '''+1''' for you and a '''-3''' for your opponent. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''+4'''.

			When you place one piece on the board but boop one of your own pieces off the board, that's a '''+1''' and a '''-1''' for you. We could say that the net value of your move is a '''0'''.

			This leads to some obvious conclusions:

			==== Tip #1.1 - Avoid having your pieces at the perimeter because they can be booped off in just a single move. ====
			One of the worst positions is when you have multiple pieces clustered near each other at the perimeter because the opponent can boop several of your pieces in one move.

			'''Tip #1.2 - A single move that boops multiple of your opponent's pieces off the board is a good move.'''

			Conversely, if you can boop your opponent's pieces to be clustered near each other on the perimeter, that sets you up to boop several of their pieces in one move. This is often how you can have more of your pieces on the board than your opponent's pieces.

			'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.[[File:Center.jpg\|frame\|'''Figure 1 - Center of the board'''\|none]]
	'''L-Shape''' - This shape is a set up for getting three-in-a-row. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 2), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge.		'''L-Shape''' - This shape is a set up for getting three-in-a-row. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 2), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge.
	[[File:L Shape.png\|none\|thumb\|'''Figure 2''' - L-Shape]]		[[File:L Shape.png\|none\|thumb\|'''Figure 2''' - L-Shape]]

BoopMaster at 02:22, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T02:22:59Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.
-[[File:Center of the Board.png|thumb|'''Figure 1:''' The center four squares|none]]
 '''L-Shape''' - This shape is a set up for getting three-in-a-row. If anyone plays at the corner (Figure 2), it would push the kitten in the corner into a three-in-a-row. This does not work if the corner of the L-shape is up against the edge.
 [[File:L Shape.png|none|thumb|'''Figure 2''' - L-Shape]]

ParadoxicalTeapot at 18:34, 7 February 2024

2024-02-07T18:34:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:34, 7 February 2024
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	'''- Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.		'''- Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.

	'''Advanced Tactic: Anti-Blocking''' - When you get two cats in a row, you are one cat away from winning the game. A common countermeasure is for the opponent to play a piece that occupies the spot that would enable your three-in-a-row. But there are situations that can be created where blocking is impossible such as in Figure 2. The grey cats are at the brink of getting three in a row, but the opponent cannot block it because once they do, they have established three-in-a-row which gets taken off the board, opening up the position for the grey cats to win the game. In such situations, getting three-in-row completely backfired onto the opponent because according to the rules, a three-in-a-row should be checked and removed at the end of a player's turn.		'''Advanced Tactic: Anti-Blocking''' - When you get two cats in a row, you are one cat away from winning the game. A common countermeasure is for the opponent to play a piece that occupies the spot that would enable your three-in-a-row. But there are situations that can be created where blocking is impossible such as in Figure 3. The grey cats are at the brink of getting three in a row, but the opponent cannot block it because once they do, they have established three-in-a-row which gets taken off the board, opening up the position for the grey cats to win the game. In such situations, getting three-in-row completely backfired onto the opponent because according to the rules, a three-in-a-row should be checked and removed at the end of a player's turn.
	[[File:Row Backfire.png\|none\|thumb\|'''Figure 3:''' Anti-Blocking]]		[[File:Row Backfire.png\|none\|thumb\|'''Figure 3:''' Anti-Blocking]]

ParadoxicalTeapot: L-Shape Strategy and Anti-Blocking

2024-02-07T18:33:35Z

L-Shape Strategy and Anti-Blocking

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-'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.
+'''Center''' - On the 6x6 board, the four center squares are often the best spots to be in - as shown in Figure 1. They are the furthest away from the edges of the board, making those spots the hardest to push off the board. The closer your pieces are to the edges, the easier it becomes to push them off the board itself.
 '''Ranking of three-in-a-rows:'''
-[[File:Center of the Board.png|thumb|The center four squares]]
+) Three Cats in a row = Winning condition
 '''Number of pieces both on and off the board''' - an important strategy is to note the number of kittens and cats both you and the opponent have in their pool.
-* '''8 pieces''' - While fighting to get three-in-a-row, one must not forget that there are alternatives to gain cats. Don't forget that if the opponent has all 8 of their pieces on the board, they get to promote one of their kittens into a cat at the end of their turn. Therefore, it's important to keep track the number of a player's pieces on the board as it approaches eight. And do remember that having all eight of a player's cats on the board is an alternative victory condition.
+'''- 8 pieces''' - While fighting to get three-in-a-row, one must not forget that there are alternatives to gain cats. Don't forget that if the opponent has all 8 of their pieces on the board, they get to promote one of their kittens into a cat at the end of their turn. Therefore, it's important to keep track the number of a player's pieces on the board as it approaches eight. And do remember that having all eight of a player's cats on the board is an alternative victory condition.
-* '''Non-Threats''' - If the opponent has 2 cats in a row, one's instinct might be that they're about to win if given a free turn. But that's only a threat if they have a cat in their pool. If they do not have cats left in their pool, then you do not have to immediately worry about it. Blocking their win condition may no longer be necessary because the opponent lack the resources. Furthermore, when it comes to getting three-in-a-row, a line composed of '''2 cats and 1 kitten''' is the least efficient way of getting cats, so sometimes, you may want to bait the opponent into getting three in a row (2 cats and 1 kitten) because it removes three of their pieces off the board while only profiting one additional cat. And simultaneously, you try to set yourself up for more profitable three-in-a-rows such as '''2 kittens + 1 cat''' or '''3 kittens'''.