TZAAR
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.5 / 5
- Year
- 2007
About the game
TZAAR is a pure abstract strategy game for two players in Kris Burm's celebrated GIPF Project series. Each side commands 30 pieces split into three interdependent types, and the goal is to eliminate all of an opponent's pieces of one type or leave them unable to capture. Every turn poses the same sharp dilemma: strengthen your own stack or weaken your opponent's. With no luck and no hidden information, TZAAR rewards pure tactical foresight.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editors rate TZAAR among the best two-player abstracts on the market: it's elegant, quick to learn, and endlessly replayable thanks to its shrinking board and stacking mechanic. It replaced TAMSK in the GIPF series for good reason. The downside is that it offers nothing for groups larger than two and can feel austere to players who want theme or randomness. If you love chess- or Go-style duels, this belongs on your shelf.
What we like
- Extremely deep strategy from a small set of simple rules.
- No luck or hidden information means skill always decides the winner.
- The board physically shrinks as pieces are removed, creating rising tension.
- Quick to teach despite its strategic depth.
Keep in mind
- Strictly two players, so it won't work for groups.
- Abstract, themeless presentation won't appeal to story-driven gamers.
- Can be unforgiving for newer players against experienced opponents.
Who it's for
Two-player abstract strategy fans aged 10+ who enjoy chess- or Go-like duels with no luck involved.
