Gipf Project: Matrx Gipf

MATRX GIPF is the eight game in the GIPF Series, focuses on the Potentials, and is played on an adjusted GIPF board. Even though it is only 3 spots larger, the asymmetrical pattern allows for more different opening moves and creates more space for the use of the potentials. The wider pattern also has more lines with 7 spots, which makes the game more open and increases the possibilities of multiple captures. That said, it is also perfectly possible to play MATRX on a regular GIPF board. It will feel significantly different, though. On a GIPF board, the game is denser and may take longer, but that does not make the experience any less challenging.

One of the tough things to learn is choosing which potential you will bring into the game, in particular during your first games. You will have no clue yet in which situations the different potentials can be strong. Oftentimes you will think you picked the wrong potential. So be it. Do not look back: play with what you have on the board. You have to maneuver the potentials into positions where they can become threats, and not necessarily create threats with the moves with which you bring them into play. The potentials are not all equally strong—but they can all be equally dangerous. They should also be considered not just as containers of special abilities, but first and foremost as pieces that can occupy spots for your color. And regardless of their different strengths, they are part of the cycle of getting pieces back into your reserve, in order for you to be able to keep playing when your turn comes around.