How To Play: Amazons

Overview

So you want to conquer Amazons and leave your friends in the dust? Well, you’re in the right spot! I’ve played more rounds of Amazons than I care to admit (my friends are tired of losing). This guide goes over the rules in plain English and shares the best tips I’ve picked up. If you want to know How To Play amazons and win, keep reading!

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 4 black amazon pieces
• 4 white amazon pieces
• 92 arrow markers
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Amazons: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the game board in the middle of the table. It looks a bit like a chess board, but with 100 squares (10×10), so expect the board to stretch out real nice and wide.
2. Each player picks a color: black or white. You can’t pick both, unless you want to play against yourself (which is what I did late at night, and honestly, I lost both sides).
3. Place your four amazons (the queen pieces, not shopping parcels) in these starting positions: White amazons go to a1, d1, g1, and j1; Black amazons take a10, d10, g10, and j10. Yes, it will make you feel smart just for getting them in the right place.
4. Keep the 92 arrow markers handy. You will shoot them all over the board—no need for safety goggles, but it does get messy.

Gameplay

1. The player with white starts first. Then, like polite people, you take turns.
2. On your turn, move one amazon like a chess queen (as far as you want, in any straight line—up, down, sideways, or diagonal).
3. After moving, your amazon must “shoot an arrow” from its new spot. This is basically another queen-like move, but now you’re marking the space with an arrow to block it for the rest of the game. Once it’s blocked, even amazons can’t go there—imagine dropping a big ol’ boulder.
4. Try not to accidentally trap yourself, like I did. There’s no prize for shooting yourself in the foot except laughter from your friends.

Winning

1. Keep moving and shooting arrows until no amazon can move on a turn. (If you can’t move or shoot, your turn is skipped—no pouting.)
2. When nobody can move, count how many squares each player controls. The player with the most open space wins! Bragging rights are optional, but highly recommended.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Amazons can’t move or shoot through arrows or other amazons. Think of arrows as angry cats—avoid them at all costs.
2. If you get trapped, you can just sit and watch the drama unfold between your friends, or try to be helpful with snacks.
3. How To Play amazons is easy to pick up but super tricky to master. Take your time, learn from mistakes, and blame the arrows when you lose.

Once you know these steps, you’re ready to play. And trust me, the first time you shoot an arrow and block your friend’s perfect escape route, it’ll feel amazing!

Best Amazons Strategies

Lock Down the Board: Opening Moves and Territory Control in Amazons

Start Strong: Claim Corners Early

Corners offer safety and power. From the get-go, you should aim to secure at least one. Why? Because amazons in the corners keep your options open and stop others from sneaking in.

1. Place amazons in corners before opponents notice.
2. Spread out amazons to cover more ground fast.

Spread Your Wings: Maximum Reach Matters

Next, use your first few turns to cover key areas. Don’t get stuck in one spot! Instead, reach out and snag space before it shrinks.

1. Move diagonally early to cover distance quickly.
2. Keep each amazon far from the others for wider control.

Block, Don’t Just Build

Also, don’t only focus on your side. Try blocking opponents while you grab space. Look for moves that make their lives hard. Remember, territory wins games! And that’s How To Play amazons like a champ.

1. Fire arrows to seal off spaces behind enemy lines.
2. Trap rival amazons in small areas as soon as possible.

Stop Them in Their Tracks: Blocking in Amazons

When it comes to How To Play amazons, blocking your opponent can turn the tide. I’ve seen friends go from cocky to crushed in two moves! Here’s how you can shut down their plans:

Use Your Arrows Wisely

1. After moving, shoot arrows to block high-traffic paths.
2. Target spaces that limit both movement and escape routes.

Trap Key Amazons

1. Work with another amazon to box in a rival piece.
2. Keep shrinking their safe spaces on the board.

Predict Opponent Moves

1. Watch your opponent’s habits—then block where they want to go next.
2. Cut off access to open zones before they get there.

Once you start choking out movement options, you’ll see your opponents panic. Blocking is sneaky but oh-so-satisfying!

Protect Your Throne: Mastering Queen Placement for Defense in Amazons

Stay Flexible with Your Queens

1. Keep at least one amazon close to the center early. This lets you react quickly to threats from any side.

2. Spread your amazons, but don’t leave lonely gaps. Opponents will slip through faster than my cat through an open door.

Control Choke Points

1. Park your queens near narrow spaces. This blocks opponents and keeps your areas safe for expansion.

2. Place amazons so they shoot arrows to close potential entryways. Nothing says “go away” like a well-placed arrow!

Plan Your Escape Routes

1. Always leave your own amazon at least two escape routes. Otherwise, it’ll end up trapped—like me in that one IKEA showroom.

Next game, practice How To Play amazons with your new defensive queen strategy. Soon, your friends will wonder if you’ve got a secret chess coach!

Checkmate Yourself Into Victory!

So that’s my two cents on How To Play amazons and come out on top. Honestly, after way too many nights of trying to trap my buddy Tim in a tiny corner (and failing, thanks Tim), I’ve learned it’s all about thinking ahead and blocking like your life depends on it. Try to grab as much space as you can early, keep your queens mobile, and don’t forget—sometimes the best move is one your opponent never saw coming. Good luck, and may your arrows always find their mark! If you beat Tim, let me know. I need tips.

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