Go-Moku

Deconstructed by: Tyler Lariscy

Goal of the game: The goal is to be the first to get five of your symbol in a row whether that be diagonal, horizontal, or vertical.

Core Mechanic: The game is turned-base with two players with one of the two going first though it does not matter who. The players also choose a symbol to use, either X or O. Each player then takes a turn switching back and forth placing their symbol on any of the 15 spots. The first player to have five of their symbol in a row wins the game.

Space of the game: The game is played on a 2 dimensional 15x15 grid by running 15 lines vertically and 15 lines horizontally through each other, though the size and shape does not matter as long as there are 225 empty spaces overall.

Objects, Attributes, States: The main objects of the game are the two symbols which are X and O. These symbols are chosen by each player at the start of the game and may be placed anywhere on the board during the players turn.

Actions:

Operative actions: The main action throughout the game is the placing of the players symbol in any one of the boxes in the 15x15 grid.

Resultant actions: By placing a symbol other actions can sprout from the one move such as blocking a players run of symbols which would mean the player cannot win with the blocked path of symbols. Another action may be taken if a player has three symbols in a row, a player must place a symbol at either end of the line of three symbols or place a symbol in a place that makes the player have to respond to it or else that player will have two ways of winning and nothing will be able to stop it.

Rules: There are only two players at a time on one Go-moku board. One player goes first by choice of players and also players must choose either X or O for their symbol to place on the board. The players then may place their symbols anywhere within the 15x15 grid until one player gets five of their symbols in a row. The game ends when one player achieves five symbols in a row, but if by chance neither player has gotten five symbols in a row the game is a tie.

Skills players learn: The player learns to be one step ahead in placing his/her symbol with such tactics as trying to confuse the player and make them believe they are going in one direction while really going in another. One might also have to play a strategy of defense and have to keep blocking their opponent's symbol so they cannot get five in a row. This later strategy is one that is mostly taken when playing against a computer seeing as it is usually one step ahead and the player is always playing catch-up. The skill I found myself learning are strategy and the idea of reading into future moves. that most players learn will be eventually be cognitive skills, strategy, and the idea of thinking a few steps ahead to perceive what your opponents next moves will be. moves.