GIPF Review: The definitive abstract strategy game you can learn in a minute and master for life
GIPF is a masterpiece abstract strategy game that has captivated gamers around the world since its release in 1997.
We'll thoroughly analyze the appeal of this game, which has simple rules but deep strategic aspects, along with the voices of actual players.
Game Basics
GIPF is a two-player abstract strategy game designed in 1997 by Belgian designer Kris Burm .
It is designed for two players, ages 9 and up, and takes 30-60 minutes to play, and is positioned as the first in a series of abstract games called the GIPF Project .
The core mechanics of the game are quite simple.
It has the unique ability to be taught in under a minute, yet requires careful study to win.
The game is played on a hexagonal board, and the goal is to either capture all three of your opponent's GIPF pieces or push them to the point where they can't move to win.
The board has a pattern of lines drawn on it, and the intersections of these lines are placement locations called spots.
There are 24 dots on the edge that you use to push the pieces into the play area.
In the basic version, each player has 15 pieces, while in the standard version, players play with 18 base pieces and three GIPF pieces (two base pieces stacked on top of each other).
The appeal of GIPF: Simple yet incredibly deep strategy
Like chess, the game has an opening, middle, and endgame, each requiring a completely different approach.
1. The perfect balance of "Learn in 1 minute and master for life"
As the saying goes, "Minutes to learn, a lifetime to master," the easier a game is to teach, the more opponents you'll have, and with more opponents, you could be completely defeated by even inexperienced players who use strategies you've never thought of before .
2. Strategic innovation through the unique "four-column" system
GIPF is not your typical "queue" game.
The main theme is to get the pieces.
Once you have four of your pieces in a row, remove them from the board and your pieces will return to your hand, ready to use again in your next turn.
If your opponent's pieces are at the end of the row, they will be removed as well and can be taken from your opponent.
This system makes the game like a tug-of-war of spatial reasoning, and sets it apart from games where you lose immediately if you miss something .
3. The innovative "push mechanics" allow for omnidirectional attacks
Every location on the board can be pushed from at least two directions.
In other words, there is no "safe" place .
There is no such thing as your side on the board.
Take advantage of the possibilities to attack your opponent from all sides, and of course be aware (and wary!) that they will do the same to you.
In actual play, even if you set up a column targeting your opponent's GIPF piece, your opponent can simply push it one space and move it out of the column you set up.
Furthermore, if your opponent completes your row, you will suddenly find yourself in a situation where there are no pieces near your opponent's GIPF, allowing for some strategic maneuvering.
4. Unpredictable developments brought about by "liquidity"
Because a single player often moves multiple pieces and changes numerous relationships on the board, it is extremely difficult to predict the board state more than one move ahead, even though it is a perfect information game.
The play is very fluid, and the concept of long-term territorial or spatial development is virtually non-existent.
Concerns and solutions
We will list some points of concern when actually playing and explain how to deal with each one.
Concerns 1: Problems with the pacing in the beginning
Impactful moves usually require several moves of preparation beforehand and require a multi-stage reaction to the opponent's move.
As a result, it requires a great deal of planning, and it has been noted that while individual moves may be quick, the overall duration of the game often feels drawn out.
Solution: When learning a new strategy game, it's easy to get lost in the many possibilities.
Don't be discouraged by it.
Give yourself a fair chance and after playing a few games you will notice your play improving rapidly.
It's important to gain experience and get used to the rhythm of the game .
Concern 2: Difficulty in protecting GIPF pieces in dangerous situations
Sometimes your GIPF piece will be in danger and in the middle of the board with no other pieces adjacent to it.
If that happens, you won't be able to move it in one turn and you won't have any way to protect it.
Solution: This problem can be solved with strategic reading.
GIPF play begins with the concept that the pieces in your playing area are more dangerous and effective than the pieces in your hand.
It is important to always consider the safety of your GIPF pieces from the beginning and ensure you have multiple escape routes.
Concern 3: The high barrier to entry inherent to abstract games
GIPF is characterised by the fact that it certainly will not appeal to everyone, and makes no attempt to do so.
Countermeasure: Abstract games have the advantage that they are easy for people who don't normally play board games to play. By starting with the basic rules and gradually moving on to the standard rules , you can enjoy the game without any difficulty.
Recommended for these people and occasions
We will introduce the specific player demographic and scenes where GIPF shines the most.
Recommended Player
Chess and Go Enthusiasts: If you like chess, you'll love GIPF, making it perfect for players who enjoy deep strategic thinking .
Family Gamer: Suitable for both adults and kids ages 9 and up, it is easy to teach and set up, yet deep and tactical.
Abstract Game for Beginners: Avoiding overly complicated or overly elaborate explanations, the basic ruleset allows anyone to quickly become familiar with the basic strategy.
Best play scene
A quiet environment for concentration: Highly appealing to gamers who enjoy intense one-on-one battles that require focus and concentration to win.
Continuous play sessions: "It's hard to stop playing. I'm glad I bought it. It's too much fun to stop," says one real player, making it a game that will keep you coming back for more .
Expected effects
Improved Strategic Thinking: When you win a game of GIPF, you feel really smart.
When you lose, you get a sense of accomplishment that you feel you finally deserved it.
Long-term enjoyment: "Amazing, with depth and abstract thinking in its DNA. Easy to learn rules, yet surprising and limitless possibilities," this is a game worth enjoying for a long time .
GIPF is more than just a board game, it remains one of the most respected abstract titles in our hobby, even after 19 years.
"GIPF is a pure and challenging game that combines classic mechanics with entirely new elements. It's full of surprises, offers endless possibilities, and will appeal to both casual players and avid gamers." Experience the charm for yourself.
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Reference source/quote source
- GIPF Game Review – Meeple Mountain
- Gipf Review | Board Game Reviews by Josh
- GIPF (game) - Wikipedia
- Every GIPF Project Game Ranked – Reviews as Fair as a Die Roll
- GIPF Review | Board Games | Zatu Games
- GIPF (Game History and Review by Chris Wray) | The Opinionated Gamers
- GIPF Fan Site | UltraBoardGames
- GIPF | Board Game | BoardGameGeek