This is an introduction to the board game “QUARTO! I hope this will be helpful to those who are considering buying it.
Basic information
Objective of the game/end
You win if you arrange four frames with the same characteristics (color, shape, height, or holes) vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The goal and purpose of the game are the same as those of so-called “tic-tac-toe” or “○X” games.
Number of players: 2 players (Like Shogi or Chess, this game is completely competitive between two players.
Time required: 10-20 minutes (time will vary greatly depending on how much contemplation is required)
Conclusion: Recommended for when you want to have some fun. Good as a room interior.
Recommendations
Simple rules, simple game flow (to do on every turn)
The rule is very simple.
Step1 
→ Step2 
Step1: (Player B) Selects one of the pieces in the field and gives it to Player A.
Step2: (Player A) Places the frame given by Player B in one of the 4×4 (16 squares).
This is all there is to it, just repeat these steps alternately.
If you can place four squares with the same characteristics (color (dark/light), shape (circle/square), height (high/low), or holes (presence/absence)) in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, you call “QUARTO!” to win the game and end the game.
If all the pieces are placed on the board, but the four pieces with the same characteristic do not line up (or if they do line up but the player forgets to declare “QUARTO”), the game is a draw.
This means that the game will end in 16 turns (8 turns x 2 players) at most.
Easy but strategic
As already written, the objective (goal) of the game is the same as the X X game, but it is a very strategic game. There are two reasons.
(1) You place the frame that your opponent chooses.
The unique point of the game is that at the beginning of your turn, your opponent (not you) chooses a frame. In other words, your strategy changes depending on what your opponent chooses, so you can’t do what you want. The game becomes more and more interesting when you start thinking about what your opponent will choose.
(2) The board belongs to both players.
There is no concept of ownership of the pieces placed on the board. The pieces on the board belong to both players. In other words, the row you are trying to arrange is the same for your opponent. In other words, the point of the game is not how quickly you can arrange the four pieces, but how you can prevent your opponent from arranging the four pieces in a row, and how long you can hold out.
These are the reasons why the objective of the game is the same as that of “○X” game, but the game is deeper and more strategic.
Strategic but somehow warm.
Basically, there is no element of luck at all, such as dice or randomly drawing cards. It is a game of strategy.
However, (1) the game progresses based on the interaction between the two players, where the two players place the frames chosen by the other player, (2) there is no concept of who owns which frame or position, and the game progresses with the common place and frame for both players, and (3) in the end, it is just a matter of placing the frames and the game is over in 16 turns at most. The simplicity of the game, in which all you have to do is to place the pieces and the game is over in 16 turns at most, seems to add warmth to the game.
Good for interior design.
The board size is 170x170mm (box: 180x180x40mm).
This board is made of wood and is carefully crafted. The board is carefully made of wood, and the back of the board has non-slip feet on all four corners. The board is made of wood, and the frames are also made of wood and have a warm feeling.
The wooden board and frames can be taken out of the box and casually placed on a living room or dining room table to add to the interior of the room. This is a great way to have fun with your family or when you have guests over. (Box: 5628x280mm) is also made of wood, but I personally think the Mini size is better. (The Mini size is just right for our table.))
(bonus) The other series are also fascinating.
This game is made by GIGAMIC, a French company. This company has released many other simple and stylish games, many of which are also available in Japan.
GIGAMIC: https://www.gigamic.com/
