Tips gyges

Gygès is an abstract strategy game where no one owns the individual pieces. This game requires very careful attention during each turn. The smallest oversight may allow your opponent to win instantly, as each new board state opens new possibilities.

General strategy:

• 1) Maintain flexibility of movement. Because you can only move the pieces in the row closest to you, you must make sure each of them has a way to connect to other pieces on the board. Any movable piece that becomes isolated and can't reach other pieces is a liability, as you must waste turns moving it into a more useful position. It follows that if you can manage to put pieces in your opponent’s back row that do not connect to other pieces, you will be putting them in a weaker position.

• 2) Set up groups of pieces that are unidirectional, i.e. you can use them to move in the direction of your opponent's back row, but they can't use the same group to move in your direction.

• 3) Create multiple paths of connection toward your opponent's goal. If you have a winning move along a single path, this is easily blocked by your opponent. Two separate paths are less easily blocked. Three separate paths are nearly unblockable.

• 4) Maintain initiative. Make moves that force your opponent to react, preferably in a way that is unfavorable to them. (this is good general advice for any strategy game)

Move Checklist:

To avoid making careless mistakes, here is a handy checklist/algorithm you may like to review prior to making each move:

• 1) Can you win on this turn?

 a) If so, do it! 
 b) if not, go to #2

• 2) Can my opponent win on their next turn?

 a) If yes, plan a move that will block them (and also advance your position if possible). Go to #3
 b) If no, plan a move that will advance your position and get you closer to scoring. Go to #3

• 3) Does my proposed move set my opponent up for a win?

 Double-check your move before committing!  Make sure your move will not open up a new winning path for your opponent!  

Flavor note: at times, Gygès feels like a game of football (whichever type they play where you live). Some pieces block so that other pieces can move freely and try to score. Keeping this in mind may give you some clever ideas.