GIPF Project: PUNCT

P�NCT is the last game of Project GIPF. From the beginning it was anounced that the project was going to become a series of 6 abstract games for 2 players. GIPF, the first and central game, was released in 1997. Now, 8 years later, the series is finally complete! As you may or may not have noticed, the graphics of the GIPF box shows a board with pieces in a wide, natural environment. The idea behind this design was putting an abstract game, symbolizing the human mind, in the midst of the 4 elements. The sceneries on the boxes of the 4 games that followed, TAMSK, Z�RTZ, DVONN and YINSH, represented, respectively, earth, water, fire and air. That left one possibility for the last game, which is explained as follows in the rulebook: This is a game about the 5th element: spirit, in its broadest sense! That is: the human mind, the mix of conscious and sub-conscious, divine sparks of inspiration, the potential to create. And therefore, also,: the sense for meaning, the sense for art, the sense for beauty. And, last but not least, also: courage! Linking the elements, interpreting what exists, daring to add a personal touch! That is why PUNCT is a game about connecting opposite sides. In short: So, P�NCT is a connection game: the goal is to link two opposite sites. On your turn, you either bring a new piece into play, or you move a piece that is already on the board. The more pieces you bring into play, the more possibilities to have to make a connection. But� each time you put a new piece on the board, you reveal a bit of what your plan is. The trick is to place your pieces in such a way that your opponent will expect you to do something different from what you really have in mind. As such, P�NCT is not only about making a connection, but also about misleading your opponent! Be subtle�and enjoy it! Type: Abstract Strategy Number of players: 2 Age of players: 9+ Length: 30 minutes