ABSTRAC Rules

Let's design a game called "Abstrac." This will be a game focused on abstract strategy, where players compete to create and complete patterns on a shared game board. Abstrac combines elements of spatial reasoning, strategic thinking, and pattern recognition, making it engaging for players who enjoy tactical challenges. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rules and FAQ for Abstrac.

Game Concept: Abstrac

Theme:
Abstrac is an abstract strategy game where players take turns placing tiles on a shared board to form specific patterns and claim points. The goal is to outmaneuver your opponents by completing your patterns while blocking theirs. Each tile represents a specific shape or color, and players must use them to form combinations that match their secret objectives or claim public goals.

Components

Game Board:
- A grid-based board (e.g., 10x10 or customizable for different game lengths), where players place their tiles.
- Scoring track around the edge of the board, where players track their points.
Tiles:
- Shape Tiles: Different geometric shapes (e.g., squares, circles, triangles, stars) in various colors. Each player has an equal set of tiles.
- Special Tiles: Wildcards or special action tiles that players can use to manipulate the board (e.g., Rotate, Swap, Block).
Objective Cards:
- Secret Objective Cards: Each player is dealt a set of hidden objectives that show specific patterns or color combinations they must create on the board to score points.
- Public Objective Cards: A set of objectives that all players can compete for by completing specific patterns on the board.
Tokens:
- Control Tokens: Used to mark when a player has completed an objective on the board.
- Action Tokens: Limited-use tokens that allow players to take special actions like swapping tiles, rotating sections of the board, or blocking an opponent.
Score Markers:
- Each player has a score marker on the board's scoring track.

Objective

The objective of Abstrac is to complete patterns and objectives on the shared game board. Players score points by fulfilling their Secret Objectives and competing for Public Objectives. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Setup

Game Board:
- Place the shared game board in the center of the table. Shuffle and reveal Public Objective Cards (3-5 cards depending on the game length) and place them face-up near the board.
Players:
- Each player chooses a color and takes a set of Shape Tiles and Control Tokens in their color. Players also receive 3 Action Tokens.
Objective Cards:
- Deal each player 3 Secret Objective Cards that they must keep hidden from their opponents.
First Player:
- Determine the starting player randomly or by a method of choice (e.g., who last completed a puzzle).

Gameplay Overview

Abstrac is played over a series of turns. On each player’s turn, they must place one of their tiles on the board and can optionally use an Action Token to perform a special move. Players aim to complete patterns on the board that match their Secret Objectives or the Public Objectives. The game continues until a player triggers the end-game condition (e.g., when a certain number of objectives are claimed, or the board is full).

Turn Structure

Place a Tile:
- On your turn, choose one of your available Shape Tiles and place it on any empty space on the board.
- You can place a tile in any orientation, but it must fit within the grid.
Check for Completed Patterns:
- After placing a tile, check the board to see if you have completed any patterns that match either your Secret Objectives or a Public Objective.
- If you complete a pattern:
  - Place one of your Control Tokens on that pattern to claim it.
  - Score the points indicated on the objective card (typically 3-5 points for secret objectives, 5-7 points for public objectives).
Use an Action Token (Optional):
- You can spend one of your limited-use Action Tokens to perform a special move. Examples of special actions:
  - Rotate: Rotate a 2x2 or 3x3 section of the board by 90 degrees.
  - Swap: Swap the position of two tiles on the board.
  - Block: Place a temporary block on a space, preventing opponents from placing tiles there for a turn.
Draw a Tile:
- If you have used a tile from your set, draw a new tile from your reserve (if applicable).
End Turn:
- Pass play to the next player.

Scoring

Secret Objectives: Each secret objective card completed is worth a set number of points (3-5 points).
Public Objectives: Public objectives are harder to complete and typically offer more points (5-7 points).
Bonus Points: Some objective cards may offer bonuses for completing multiple objectives in a row or achieving special conditions (e.g., using all colors in a pattern).

Players track their points on the scoring track around the edge of the game board.

End of Game and Winning

The game ends when one of the following conditions is met:

End Condition 1: A player completes a set number of objectives (e.g., 5 objectives).
End Condition 2: The game board is completely filled with tiles.

At the end of the game, players tally up their points from both Secret and Public Objectives, as well as any bonus points from actions or combos. The player with the most points is declared the winner.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I complete more than one objective in a single turn?
- Yes, if your tile placement completes multiple objectives (secret or public), you can claim them all on the same turn.
Can I place a tile anywhere on the board?
- You can place a tile in any empty space on the board as long as it fits within the grid. You cannot place a tile on a space that has a Control Token or Block Token.
What happens if multiple players are close to completing the same public objective?
- The first player to complete the objective gets to claim it. Public objectives are competitive, so timing and strategic placement are key.
Do I have to announce my objectives when I complete them?
- Yes, when you complete a Secret Objective or Public Objective, reveal the card to the other players and place your Control Token on the board.
Can I block my opponents' patterns?
- Absolutely! You can place tiles in locations that might prevent your opponents from completing their patterns. Additionally, using Block Tokens can temporarily disrupt your opponents’ plans.
Can I move or remove my own tiles?
- No, once a tile is placed, it cannot be moved or removed unless you use an Action Token to perform a special move (like Swap or Rotate).
What if I can’t place a tile that helps me?
- You are still required to place a tile, even if it doesn’t benefit you. However, you can use this opportunity to block your opponents or set up future turns.
How many Action Tokens can I use in one turn?
- You can use only one Action Token per turn, and once you’ve used all of your tokens, they are gone for the rest of the game.
Are there any limits to the patterns I can create?
- Patterns must exactly match the arrangement of shapes and colors shown on the Objective Cards. Rotations or mirrored versions of the pattern do not count unless specified on the card.

Advanced Gameplay Variants

Timed Mode: Players have a set time limit per turn to place tiles and complete objectives, increasing the game’s pace and tension.
Solo Mode: Players can compete against an automated AI that places tiles randomly or according to a predetermined strategy.
Expansion Ideas:
- New Tile Types: Introduce new shapes or color combinations to increase complexity.
- Power-Ups: Add power-ups that give players temporary abilities, like placing multiple tiles in one turn.

Abstrac is a game of careful planning, strategic placement, and pattern recognition. Players must not only focus on their own objectives but also anticipate and block their opponents’ moves, making every turn critical in the race to complete objectives.