Ta Yü

Draw a tile, extend your network and reach both of your board edges, because your score multiplies them.

Designer: Niek Neuwahl
Published by: Crown & Andrews Ltd.
Editions by: Rio Grande Games, KOSMOS, Goliath Games

Ta Yü is a 1999 connection game where each side races toward its own pair of board edges: one side has to link west and east, the other north and south, starting from a tile in the center. On your turn you draw a tile and add it to the growing network. Every tile is three squares long with exactly three outlets, so each placement is a small decision about where to branch. The twist is the scoring: you multiply the spots reached on one edge by the spots reached on the opposite edge, so ignoring a side leaves you with zero. Three special points per side score double. An abstract for two or four, best as a duel.

Tiles with exactly three outletsScore is edges reached multiplied, not addedThree double-value points on each side

Who it's for

You like abstract connection games such as Hex and want one with a little luck from the tile draw, either as a duel or two against two.

Not for you if…

You want a theme, or a game that forgives lopsided play. Ignoring one edge is punished hard by the multiplication.

Vibe's take

Cool and tactical. Every tile is a small bet on where to branch, and the multiplication rule keeps you glancing at the edge you have been neglecting.