How To Play: Amazons

Overview

If you’ve ever had your game plans destroyed by sneaky arrows in Amazons, you’re not alone. I’ve spent many evenings losing to my friend Steve, who claims he’s just “lucky.” This guide will save you from Steve-types everywhere! Inside, you’ll find a simple rundown of the rules and—more importantly—the best strategies that actually win games. Prepare to amaze (heh) your friends with your new skills!

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 4 sets of 4 amazons (16 amazons total)
• 92 black arrow tokens
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Amazons: Rules Summary

Game Setup

1. Place the board between players so everyone can reach it. It’s a 10×10 grid, so no squinting required.
2. Give each player their four amazons. One player gets the light set, the other gets the dark.
3. Place your amazons on these spots: Light amazons on a1, d1, g1, j1. Dark amazons on a10, d10, g10, j10.
4. Put the arrow tokens in a pile nearby. You’ll scatter these everywhere soon enough.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, pick one of your amazons to move like a chess queen — go any amount of spaces, straight or diagonal, but don’t leap over anything!
2. After you move, shoot an arrow from that amazon. The arrow flies like a queen too, but can’t land on an amazon or another arrow.
3. Once you shoot, place an arrow token where it landed. That spot is now a no-go zone for anyone. It’s like leaving your dirty laundry in the hallway.
4. Play passes to your opponent. Repeat steps above until no moves remain.

Winning the Game

1. Keep taking turns until one player can’t move any of their amazons (they’re trapped!).
2. Count the spaces where each player’s amazons can legally move, not blocked by arrows or opponent amazons.
3. Whoever controls the most spaces is the winner. If you both control the same amount, congratulate each other: it’s a tie!

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you can’t move any amazons on your turn, sadly, your game is over.
2. Remember, arrows and amazons block everything: you can’t move or shoot through them, not even if you ask nicely.
3. No jumping, hopping, or sneaky shortcuts. Move and shoot in straight lines or diagonals only.
4. Try not to trap yourself too early. Trust me, it’s embarrassing (I’ve done it, it wasn’t pretty).

And that’s the basics! Now, go play and try not to fill the board with arrows faster than you can say ‘How To Play amazons’ three times fast.

Best Amazons Strategies

Mastering Early Moves: Start Strong in Amazons

When I first learned How To Play amazons, my early moves were all over the place! Over time, I got smarter about the opening placements. If you want to win, use your first moves to carve out space, block your opponent gently, and aim for board flexibility. Here’s how:

Claim Territory

1. Place amazons close to the center for options.
2. Spread them to avoid trapping yourself later.

Stay Flexible

1. Don’t commit to one side too early.
2. Watch how your friends move, then react.

Read Your Opponent

1. Try to predict their plan from their first moves.
2. Don’t be afraid to block them if you see a chance.

Cut Off Their Escape: Master Blocking Tactics in Amazons

Identify Chokepoints Early

I always search for spots on the board where opponents could squeeze through. By plugging these gaps, you can control their movement with style. Here’s how:

1. Spot narrow corridors before your friends do
2. Place arrows where they’ll hurt the most

Limit Opponent Expansion

Instead of spreading myself thin, I block big open areas to shrink their options. This means:

1. Creating walls with my Amazons
2. Building traps using clever arrow shots

Force Awkward Moves

When my pals get boxed in, they panic. Use this to your advantage:

1. Push their Amazons towards edges
2. Leave them with only bad moves left

Mastering the Center: Key to Winning Amazons

Why the Center Matters

First, controlling the center means you get more options. Every turn, you can reach more places and threaten more moves. In my last game, I grabbed the center early, and my friends just could not keep up.

Smart Moves for Center Power

1. Move your Amazons toward the center early, but don’t put them where they can get trapped.
2. Leave paths open for your future moves, not just blocking others.
3. Use arrows to create safe zones for yourself in the center.

Reacting to Opponents

1. Watch for sneaky plays—block them before they get comfy in the middle.
2. If they take the center, surround and squeeze them with your arrows.

Using these tips and learning How To Play amazons well can mean the difference between glory and being the family joke for a week. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Become the Master of Amazons!

Congratulations! If you made it this far, you are now officially smarter than my cousin Dave, who still thinks Amazons is a checkers variant. Take these strategies to your table: nail your openings, block those pesky opponents, and claim that center like you own the place. Remember, clever moves and a bit of sneaky arrow action go a long way. Now go forth and show your friends How To Play amazons like a true champ. Good luck—and don’t let Dave win.

Want to know what we think of Amazons? Read our detailed review of Amazons here