Order and Chaos
{{Short description|Tic-tac-toe variant}}
{{for|the fantasy MMORPG video game|Order and Chaos Online}}
Order and Chaos is a variant of the game tic-tac-toe on a 6×6 {{boardgloss|gameboard}}. It was invented by Stephen Sniderman and introduced by him in Games magazine in 1981.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ludorium.at/prog/Anzeige.asp?sysname=english&offset=20&sn=&vl=GAMES%20MAGAZINE&at=&zg=&ge=&v1=&pa=&al=&sp=&kt=&cd=&yr=&sort=1&show=&cb=|title=Austrian Games Museum|last=Cassan|first=Ferdinand de|website=www.ludorium.at|access-date=2017-07-09}} The player Order strives to create a five-in-a-row of either Xs or Os. The opponent Chaos endeavors to prevent this.
Game rules
Unlike typical board games, both players control both sets of pieces (Xs and Os). The game starts with the {{boardgloss|empty board|board empty}}. Order plays first, then turns alternate. On each turn, a player places either an X or an O on any open square. Once played, pieces cannot be moved, thus Order and Chaos can be played using pencil and paper.
Order aims to get five like pieces in a row either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Chaos aims to fill the board without completion of a line of five like pieces.
=Rules addition=
The original rules in Games magazine implied that six-in-a-row also wins. That version of the game was claimed weakly solved as a forced win for Order.{{Cite news|url=https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1579397/solved-order-wins|title=solved: Order wins {{!}} Order and Chaos|work=BoardGameGeek|access-date=2017-07-09}} The inventor has subsequently suggested a new rule to better balance winning chances for both sides: Six-in-a-row does not qualify as a win. The new rule offers Chaos new defensive tactics against Order's previously "unstoppable" four-in-a-rows.{{Cite news|url=https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1744598/order-and-chaos-solved|title=order and chaos solved? {{!}} Order and Chaos|work=BoardGameGeek|access-date=2017-07-09}} This version is weakly solved as a forced win for Chaos, who can win using a Pairing strategy.{{Cite news|url=https://boardgamegeek.com/article/31274145#31274145|title=order and chaos solved? {{!}} Order and Chaos|work=BoardGameGeek|access-date=2019-09-26}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{bgg|147859}}
- {{youtube|qsjVfJur1ac|Order and Chaos – Hannah Nicklin vs. Emma Blackery}}
{{Tic-Tac-Toe
| state = expanded
}}
Category:Board games introduced in 1981
Category:Paper-and-pencil games