Should I Play Zertz?

What is Zertz about?

Zertz is a two-player abstract strategy game from the GIPF series designed by renowned Belgian game designer Kris Burm. The objective of the game is to capture or block your opponent’s marbles until they have no legal moves left.

How to Play

The game is played on a hexagonal board with 37 marbles of three different colors – white, gray and black. Players take turns removing one marble at a time from the board and placing it into their personal reserve. The twist? You can only capture or block your opponent’s marbles by creating “zertz” – three in a row of the same color or size, with smaller marbles being able to capture larger ones.

The game is won by the player who captures six marbles of any one color or three pairs of different colors. Trust me, it may sound simple but once you start playing, you’ll realize how challenging and strategic this game actually is.

One of the things I love about Zertz is its simplicity. The rules are easy to understand but the gameplay can get really intense. It’s all about planning your moves ahead and anticipating your opponent’s next move.

The game also has a unique mechanic where you need to balance taking actions that help you win with preserving resources for future turns. It’s a delicate balance that adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.

Who Can Play

Zertz is a perfect game for people who enjoy abstract strategy games like chess or go. It’s also great for anyone looking for a quick, yet challenging two-player game.

What Makes It Fun

Apart from the beautiful components and satisfying gameplay, Zertz is a game that keeps you on your toes. Every move counts and one wrong decision could cost you the game. But it’s not just about winning – it’s about outsmarting your opponent and feeling like a strategic genius.

Plus, with its short playtime of around 30 minutes, it’s perfect for multiple rounds or a quick game session. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself constantly wanting to improve your strategy and keep playing.