Quarto

This is a miniaturized, modular game of Quarto. Quarto is a delightfully simple and fast game to learn and play, but quickly reveals a surprising depth of strategy. Brand new players can learn the rules in less than two minutes, but experienced players can enjoy the game hundreds of times. The average game lasts less than 10 minutes.

The Design

The game board and pieces can be easily broken down for carry in a small drawstring pouch or similar (I used these from Amazon).

The game pieces are designed to have small neodymium magnets inserted, and each board space is designed to have a magnet permanently installed between the circular and square layers. I used these magnets, (the 150 pack), but suspect any 6mm x 3mm magnet would work. When properly assembled, the magnets discreetly provide a strong and effective bond to keep your game from being disrupted by motion or gravity.

How to play:

1. There are 16 unique pieces and 16 spaces on the board. Each piece has 4 qualities:
   • Color (light or dark)
   • Height (tall or short)
   • Shape (square or circle)
   • Top (hollow or solid)
2. Each turn, one player chooses any piece from the bag, and the other player places it in any empty space he/she wishes. You will never choose both the piece and the space it gets played on, only one or the other. Players switch off each turn choosing the piece and placing it.
3. The winner is the first person to complete a row of 4 pieces which have at least one shared quality - laterally or diagonally.
   • For example, placing the 4th square piece in a row of square pieces is a win, even if the pieces vary in color, height, and top.
4. If all 16 pieces are placed, but nobody has completed a row of 4 pieces with one or more shared quality, the game is a draw.
5. That's it!