How To Play: Amazons

Overview

If you have ever flipped a table over a board game, Amazons might give you the urge—it’s that tricky! After a wild night playing with my friends (and arguing over snacks), I put together this guide. Here you’ll find a simple outline of the game rules, plus the best strategies I learned to actually win. Read on for everything you need to know about How To Play amazons without embarrassing yourself.

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 4 sets of 4 amazon pieces (16 total)
• 40 arrow markers
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Amazons: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the 10×10 board in the middle of the table. Try not to drop it. Trust me, the pieces go everywhere.
2. Give each player their four Amazons (usually black and white). Put them in their starting positions: black on (a4, d1, g1, j4), white on (a7, d10, g10, j7). Write it down if you have to. I always forget.
3. Put all the arrow markers in a pile where everyone can reach them. You’ll need all of them, unless your cat steals a few (happened to me last game, still missing one).

Gameplay

1. On your turn, move one Amazon like a chess queen. So, any number of open spaces, in a straight line, but don’t leap over pieces or arrows.
2. After you move, shoot an arrow from your Amazon’s new spot. Again, pretend you’re a chess queen: any number of empty spaces, any direction, but no jumping.
3. Place an arrow marker where it lands. It’s basically a ‘do not enter’ sign for the rest of the game.
4. Pass play to the next person. Don’t take their turn for them, even if you want to.

Winning

1. Play continues until no one can make a legal move with any of their Amazons. Usually the board is a mess by then.
2. Each player counts how many spaces their Amazons can reach, split into separate areas by arrows.
3. The player who controls the most spaces wins! If you tie, just brag louder than the other person. That’s what I do.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you can’t move any of your Amazons at the start of your turn, you skip your turn and wait. So, don’t trap yourself too soon!
2. Arrows can never be moved once placed. No take-backsies. I’ve tried, my friends are merciless.
3. You can’t jump over arrows, Amazons, or the board’s edge. This isn’t checkers or Mario Kart.

That’s it. Now you know How To Play amazons. Remember: block your friends, keep your territory, and don’t spill drinks on the board. Happy playing!

Best Amazons Strategies

Crush Early and Rule: Opening Moves & Board Control in Amazons

Start Strong, Set the Pace

When the game starts, grab control fast. First, choose a smart central spot for your amazons. This gives you more ways to move. If you mess this up, your options shrink fast.

1. Move amazons toward the center.
2. Avoid corners early on.
3. Block opponents without blocking yourself.

Rule Your Space

Meanwhile, think about board control. Use your arrows to cut off big areas. Later, you’ll thank yourself when space runs tight.

1. Shoot arrows to limit rivals’ movement.
2. Divide the board into easy zones for you.
3. Trap slower opponents early.

Keep Your Options Open

Never box yourself in with crazy early moves. Always look ahead, plan escape routes, and you’ll soon master How To Play amazons better than your friends!

Arrow Placement and Blocking: Outsmart Your Opponents

Think Ahead with Every Shot

Arrow placement in How To Play amazons can make or break your game. Since each arrow blocks a square forever, you want to trap your opponent without trapping yourself. Always plan two steps ahead!

Pin Down Rivals

1. Target areas near enemy amazons to cut off their movement.
2. Close off escape routes as soon as you can.
3. Force opponents toward the edge of the board to limit options.

Protect Your Own

1. Avoid blocking your own amazons into corners.
2. Leave open lanes for your own future moves.

Transition from Attack to Defense

When you take control, switch to defensive arrow placement. This keeps your lead safe and helps seal the win in How To Play amazons!

Seal the Win: Endgame Traps and Territory in Amazons

Spotting Endgame Traps

As the How To Play amazons board shrinks, sneaky traps win games. Setting them is tricky, but so worth it. Try:

1. Box in opponents with your queen’s movement and arrows.
2. Tempt rivals into dead ends with “easy” moves.
3. Predict their path and block two steps ahead.

Controlling Key Territory

Late game, small safe spots matter way more. Focus and:

1. Claim open clusters early—don’t wait.
2. Shut rivals out of juicy spaces fast.
3. Count your moves vs. theirs in each zone.

Pounce When They Slip

Even great players mess up late. Stay alert, jump on mistakes, and end it with a big win. Victory is sweet in How To Play amazons!

Claim Victory, One Arrow at a Time

Alright, that’s the end of my not-so-secret Amazons strategy scroll! If you remember nothing else, just block your friends and pretend you meant to do it. Practice your arrow placement, leave yourself breathing room, and don’t panic when you see your territory shrinking (unless it’s Tim—you know Tim, he smells fear). Every time I play How To Play amazons, I learn something sneaky and new. So get that board out, bring snacks, and see if you can beat my infamous three-queen blockade. Good luck, and may your arrows always ruin someone’s perfect plan!

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