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For the rules of mattock, see <b>[[Gamehelpmattock|GameHelpMattock]]</b>
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== Links ==
== Summary and Links ==


There is a quick strategy primer on the second page of the rules: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3trr68e92xi45ps/Mattock.pdf?dl=1
* Mattock is a territory game.
 
* The removal mechanic causes like-coloured miners to link together in groups
The 3-minute rules/strategy video also covers strategy basics: https://youtu.be/PMrtXuegHHc
** ''On the smaller hex5 board, a single group of 3.''
 
* Your goal is to trap your opponent's miners in a small area, while keeping a large area of open spaces for yourself.
This article is a good in-depth strategy guide: https://www.abstractgames.org/mattock.html
* There is a quick strategy primer on the second page of <b>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/3trr68e92xi45ps/Mattock.pdf?dl=0 the rules]</b>.
* <b>[https://youtu.be/PMrtXuegHHc The 3-minute rules/strategy video]</b> also covers strategy basics.
* <b>[https://youtu.be/Djog-P6AVFM Example game with video analysis]</b>.
* <b>[https://www.abstractgames.org/mattock.html This article]</b> is a good in-depth strategy guide.
* <b>[https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2599269/annotated-games Annotated games]</b>.


== Protect Open Spaces Around the Edge of the Board ==
== Protect Open Spaces Around the Edge of the Board ==


As you mine and remove, you will eventually link your miners together and split the board’s territory with your opponent.
* As you mine and remove, you will eventually link your miners together and split the board’s territory with your opponent.
 
* The last player who can mine wins, so whoever has more open space to mine in their own territory will win.
The last player who can mine wins, so whoever has more open space to mine in their own territory will win. In the endgame, the open spaces will usually be around the edge of the board. Protect edge spaces by blocking choke points with your miners, and building shapes that block your opponent's connections.
* In the endgame, the open spaces will usually be around the edge of the board.
* Protect edge spaces by blocking choke points with your miners, and building shapes that block your opponent's connections.


== Block Your Opponent Using the 3 Basic Shapes ==
== Block Your Opponent Using the 3 Basic Shapes ==


No tile can ever touch more than 3 other tiles. So, when a tile touches exactly 3 other tiles, all of the adjacent open spaces are blocked. There are only 3 ways that a tile can touch 3 other tiles, making 3 basic shapes: the t-rex, whirligig, and diamond. These shapes are described in the rules, strategy article, and strategy video.
* No tile can ever touch more than 3 other tiles.
 
** So, when a tile touches exactly 3 other tiles, all of the adjacent open spaces are blocked.
Each time you mine, think about which of the 3 basic shapes you will make and how you will use them to protect edge spaces from your opponent.
** There are only 3 ways that a tile can touch 3 other tiles, making 3 basic shapes:
*** the t-rex, whirligig, and diamond.
** These shapes are described in the rules, strategy article, and strategy video.
* Each time you mine, think about which of the 3 basic shapes you will make and how you will use them to protect edge spaces from your opponent.


== Protect Your Miners From Removal ==
== Protect Your Miners From Removal ==


Create shapes that prevent your opponent from separating and removing your miners.
* Connect your miners together to prevent your opponent from removing them.
 
* Create shapes that block your opponent from connecting, so that your opponent's miners can't get between your own miners and sever your connections.
When you remove an opponent miner, check to make sure that your opponent can't reply by removing your own miners in return.
* When you remove an opponent miner, check to make sure that your opponent can't reply by removing your own miners in return.

Latest revision as of 02:52, 26 December 2021

For the rules of mattock, see GameHelpMattock

Summary and Links

Protect Open Spaces Around the Edge of the Board

  • As you mine and remove, you will eventually link your miners together and split the board’s territory with your opponent.
  • The last player who can mine wins, so whoever has more open space to mine in their own territory will win.
  • In the endgame, the open spaces will usually be around the edge of the board.
  • Protect edge spaces by blocking choke points with your miners, and building shapes that block your opponent's connections.

Block Your Opponent Using the 3 Basic Shapes

  • No tile can ever touch more than 3 other tiles.
    • So, when a tile touches exactly 3 other tiles, all of the adjacent open spaces are blocked.
    • There are only 3 ways that a tile can touch 3 other tiles, making 3 basic shapes:
      • the t-rex, whirligig, and diamond.
    • These shapes are described in the rules, strategy article, and strategy video.
  • Each time you mine, think about which of the 3 basic shapes you will make and how you will use them to protect edge spaces from your opponent.

Protect Your Miners From Removal

  • Connect your miners together to prevent your opponent from removing them.
  • Create shapes that block your opponent from connecting, so that your opponent's miners can't get between your own miners and sever your connections.
  • When you remove an opponent miner, check to make sure that your opponent can't reply by removing your own miners in return.