Overview
Hive Pocket is similar to chess, but where there is no board to start (it is created over time as pieces are placed). You and your opponent each have 13 hex pieces. Each piece has a bug; each bug (queen bee, ant, beetle, mosquito, ladybug, grasshopper, or spider) has different movement abilities. Surround your opponent's queen (before they do so to yours) and you win!
The first player places a piece onto the table, starting the game. The other player places a piece (which much touch one of the sides of the first piece). Then, players take turns. On your turn, you either place or move one of your pieces.
- place: you must place a piece adjacent to one of your own pieces (it cannot touch an opponent's piece after the first turn); you must also place your queen within the first four turns of the game.
- move: you must move a piece in accordance with the movement rules associated with its printed bug. Those are outlined in the rules.
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| game in progress; image from here |
Review
Like chess, there is all choice and no chance involved in Hive Pocket. You learn the piece's movement abilities and must carefully plot your moves (and counter your opponent's) to win. Some will love that; I appreciated the mechanics and strategic depth, but don't care for games with no chance elements. It makes it all about skill (which, for me, is a notable disadvantage). So this is a good game, but not one I would play often due to personal tastes (aside: I explore the game theory of chance and choice in this post). Recommended for the chess player in your life who would enjoy a twist on a classic.
Rating: B
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