Strategy in Tic-Tac-Chec

For such a simple game, there are a fair number of nuances to Tic-Tac-Chec. It was designed to teach children how the basic pieces move. The queen was left out because it was felt that it is basically a combination of the rook and the bishop. Yet the game can transcend the mere placing and moving about of pieces. Complex combinations of moves may be necessary when two experienced players come into contact.

New players generally go on a "killing spree" when they first learn the game. They take whatever they can, when they can. This makes for a longer game and could also result in a perpetual tie. But such play never gains the upper hand. It is better to let the opponent develop somewhat, while you develop your own pieces, with this caveat in mind - try to combine the purposes of several pieces so that they can both form your own line and break up your opponent's. This is far easier said than done and is most likely to be accomplished deceptively with the knight.

Once the opposing player places his third piece on a line, it is obviously vital to break it up even at the expense of your own strategy. You may place the pieces in any order, but generally a good order is rook, bishop, pawn, knight. This does not reflect the game of chess, in which good strategy dictates should be led by the knights and the bishops.

It is true that this game can be played on a quarter of the chess board. However, it is available in your better game stores and even on-line. It comes with a wooden board and quality wooden pieces. It is excellent for children learning how pieces move and also as a mental exercise. I often play it by myself just to get the mental wheels turning.

A fun game.