Abalone: Tactical Board Game for Two Players

Abalone: Tactical Board Game for Two Players

• Manufacturer: Goliath
• Manufacture Date: 1991

Drive your opponent to the limit... and off the board!

Product Description:
Abalone is a strategic board game for two players, suitable for children aged 8 and up. The game, manufactured by Goliath in 1991, combines simplicity with deep strategic possibilities. The objective is to overpower your opponent by pushing six of their marbles off the board.

Game Setup and Specifications:
The game is played on a hexagonal board with 61 spaces, arranged in rows of five spaces on each side and 31 spaces in the inner rows. Each player starts with 14 marbles—one set black, one set white. The game begins with a predefined starting formation, with the black player always making the first move.

During the game, players try to push each other’s marbles off the board by strategically moving. A player wins by successfully pushing six of the opponent's marbles off the board.

Contents of the Box:

• Game board
• 28 marbles (14 black and 14 white)
• Game rules

Dimensions:
The box in which Abalone is packaged measures 33 cm in length and width, and 3.3 cm in height.

Condition:
Despite years of popularity and frequent use, this copy remains in good vintage condition. The box shows some signs of wear typical for its age.

Origin and Development:
Abalone was created by French game designers Laurent Lévi and Michel Lalet. After being rejected by several publishers, they founded a company in 1988 with the support of financier André Jarno to distribute their game. Initially called "Sumito," the game was eventually named Abalone and has since achieved worldwide success. It is sometimes referred to as "sumo with marbles," reflecting the way players try to push each other off the board.

Conclusion:
Abalone offers a unique combination of simplicity and depth, making it suitable for both younger players and experienced strategists. With a game time of around thirty minutes, Abalone provides a quick yet challenging gaming experience that continues to captivate players time and again.

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