How To Play: Focus

Overview

Have you ever tried to play Focus and ended up, well, not so focused? Been there! If you’re looking for the rules, plus some sneaky tips to beat your friends, you’re in the right spot. This guide breaks down How To Play focus, lays out the basics, and gives you the best strategies I’ve found for winning. Spoiler: It involves much less yelling than you’d think.

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 18 green pieces
• 18 yellow pieces
• 18 red pieces
• 18 blue pieces
• Rules sheet

How To Play Focus: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the board in the middle of the table so everyone can reach it. Clean elbows are optional, but encouraged.
2. Each player picks a color and takes all matching pieces. Don’t fight over colors—nobody wants the red ones anyway. (Kidding. Maybe.)
3. Set up your pieces on the board following the starting layout in the rulebook. If you can’t find it, ask the loudest person at the table—they probably know.
4. Choose who goes first. Youngest player? Person with the silliest socks? Rock-paper-scissors works too.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, pick a stack you control (your color is on top) and move it straight one space for each piece in the stack. Yes, more pieces = farther movement.
2. Stacks can be large, but no more than five pieces per stack. If you land on another stack, pile them up—highest piece on top controls the new stack.
3. If the stack grows beyond five, remove the extras from the bottom. These are out of play for now.
4. If a stack is less than five, keep it as is. No need to shuffle—this isn’t a card game.
5. Pass play clockwise, unless you want to challenge tradition (not recommended).

Winning

1. The last player able to make a legal move wins. Everyone else gets to watch and regret their choices.
2. If you can’t move because you have no stacks or all your stacks are trapped, you’re out. Try not to cry.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Captured pieces (removed from oversized stacks) go to you if your color is on top when they leave. Hold onto them for bragging rights.
2. Captured pieces can return to the game as part of your move, if playing advanced rules. Throws a nice twist into the chaos.
3. If you ever stack all your pieces and can’t split them up, well…you’re stuck. Plan ahead!

Remember, the best way to learn is to give it a shot. Good luck, and have fun outsmarting your friends!

Best Focus Strategies

Stack Movement Mastery: The Secret Sauce to Winning Focus

Plan Your Path Ahead

When I play Focus, I never move stacks randomly. Instead, I picture the board five moves from now and position my stacks where they can control the action.

1. Spot key spaces your opponent wants.
2. Move your stacks to block or threaten those areas.

Use Tall Stacks Wisely

Tall stacks are like a double-edged sword. They can dominate, but also draw attacks if left alone.

1. Break up tall stacks if they’re exposed.
2. Merge smaller stacks when you need muscle.

How To Play focus: Control with Pressure

Always keep the pressure on. Whenever I control the center, my chances of winning skyrocket.

1. Make opponents react to your stack movements.
2. Force mistakes by crowding their vital pieces.

Become a Capture Master in Focus: Outsmart Your Opponents!

If you want to snatch victory, capturing opponent pieces is key. During my last game night, my captures made my friends groan and my cat run for cover! Using smart tactics, you can whittle down their forces and keep the board in your control. Let’s look at the best strategies.

1. Target Weak Stacks

1. Spot lonely opponent pieces and pounce fast.
2. Break up their attempts to build tall stacks early.

2. Use Momentum

1. Chain captures by moving into a new position after each one.
2. Pressure your rival until they start making mistakes.

3. Limit Their Options

1. Trap important stacks so they can’t escape your grasp.
2. Force them into bad moves and then swoop in for a capture.

Keep practicing these moves, and soon you’ll be the capture champion. Remember, How To Play focus means always keeping your eyes open for capture chances!

Master the Endgame: Outwit and Outlast!

Plan Your Final Moves

When the board thins out, every move matters. Stay sharp and watch for sneaky plays. The key to victory is in the setup.

1. Keep your tallest stacks close to home row for quick scoring.
2. Split stacks only if it blocks your opponent or grabs a win.
3. Count possible moves ahead—never leave yourself cornered.

Trap Your Opponent

While they chase your stacks, set traps. Focus on limiting their choices one turn at a time. That’s where the How To Play focus really pays off!

1. Force them to split their biggest stack.
2. Block escape paths with small stacks.

Seize Every Chance

If you spot a mistake, pounce. Even one rushed move can cost the game. Keep your cool and play for position until the very end!

Master Focus and Rule the Table!

Alright, that’s a wrap on our Focus strategy guide! Trust me, after playing way too many rounds with my friends (and losing my fair share), these tips on How To Play focus have saved me from being the snack-fetcher. Remember: plan those stack moves, keep an eye on sneaky captures, and never snooze during the endgame. Practice makes you less terrible—sometimes even good! Now go show off your Focus skills!

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