How To Play: Amazons

Overview

Let me tell you, my friends still talk about that one epic session of Amazons where I managed to block myself in the first five turns (it was tragic). If you want to avoid my mistakes, stick around! This guide covers a quick outline of the rules and, more importantly, the best strategies for actually winning the game. You’ll be outsmarting your mates in no time.

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 4 white amazons
• 4 black amazons
• 36 arrow markers
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Amazons: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the board in the center of the table. Make sure you have a nice spot for your soda too!
2. Each player takes four amazons of the same color. Don’t let Steve take all the blue ones again.
3. Set amazons in their starting squares (usually the corners and near the middle). The rulebook map helps here, but use your best guess and watch everyone argue for five minutes about it first.
4. Give the pile of arrow markers to the side, ready for action.

Gameplay

1. Players take turns. On your turn, first move one of your amazons like a chess queen (any number of spaces in straight or diagonal line, over empty spots).
2. After moving, shoot an arrow from your moved amazon. The arrow also flies like a chess queen, landing on an empty square.
3. Place an arrow marker on that square. Nobody (not even your snarky cousin) can move onto or through arrows.
4. Play passes to the next player, and repeat. You’ll soon get good at blocking your friends!

Winning

1. The game ends when no amazon can move. This is your moment to finally stand up and stretch.
2. Count the number of squares each player can reach with their amazons. Whoever controls the most territory wins!
3. If you tie, eat a cookie and claim joint victory, or arm-wrestle for bragging rights.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Amazons cannot jump over other pieces or arrows. They’re athletic, but not superhuman.
2. You can’t move onto a square with another amazon or an arrow. That’s just rude.
3. Friendly reminder: if you can’t move, you pass. This means your amazon might just need a little nap.

Now you know the basics! If you want to go from newbie to board game legend, search for How To Play amazons for more tips and crazy strategies.

Best Amazons Strategies

Amazons Opening Blitz: Start Strong or Get Stuck!

Why Opening Moves Matter

I’ve lost enough games to know: if you mess up your opening, you’ll cry later. You want to get your amazons out and ready.

Key Positioning Tactics

1. Send amazons to the board’s sides early—this stops your opponent from boxing you in.
2. Keep your amazons spread out; if they touch, you’ll have less room to move.
3. Never block your own queen. Trust me, I did that once and it felt like stepping on a LEGO.

Common Opening Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t cluster all your amazons in one corner.
2. Don’t aim arrows at your own team (it happens more often than you’d think).

Practicing these tips helps you master How To Play amazons, and stay steps ahead right from the start.

Aim True: Mastering Arrow Blocking in Amazons

Cut Off Opponents Swiftly

Arrow blocking can win you the game if you use it right. After every queen move, try to spot where your opponent wants to go next. Shoot an arrow there. This quickly limits their options.

1. Fire arrows into open corridors your rivals favor.
2. Always force them into tight spots.

Divide and Conquer

Next, split the board into small sections. If you block connection points, your opponents get stuck fast. This makes it tough for them to expand.

1. Block narrow passages between big areas.
2. Seal off corners before your opponents sneak in.

Plan for the End

Lastly, keep future moves in mind. Try trapping amazons so they run out of legal moves. Getting in early helps but patience wins games. Besides, if you mix these tips with other tricks for How To Play amazons, you’ll crush it.

Mastering Endgame Area Control in Amazons

Choose Your Territory Wisely

Once you reach the endgame, pick the largest area for your last amazon. This makes it harder for your opponent to outscore you.

1. Compare available spaces.
2. Pick the most open spot.
3. Watch where your opponent goes.

Cut Off Escape Routes

Next, always block paths your opponent might use to sneak into your territory.

1. Fire arrows into key choke points.
2. Force them into smaller areas.
3. Check every turn for new openings.

Seal the Deal

Finally, use your last moves to enclose your area fully. Now, you control it! This is a big part of How To Play amazons and win.

1. Place arrows to finish walls.
2. Double-check for leaks.
3. Count your squares—make sure you win!

Become the Queen (or King) of Amazons!

There you go! You now know more about How To Play amazons than I did the first three times I lost to my little cousin. Trust me, if you block your own amazons in a corner, your friends will never let you live it down. Use these tips, claim your turf, and fire those arrows like you mean it! With a little practice and a few sneaky moves, you’ll outsmart your pals and maybe even make them buy pizza next game night. Good luck, and may your arrows always land where it hurts (for your rivals, not your friendships)!

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