Rules of the Take it Easy! Game

Hello, fellow puzzle enthusiasts! Let me break it down for you: Take it Easy! is a game that will challenge your strategic thinking skills. Here’s what you need to know:

First, you’ll receive a board made up of hexagons, each containing a colored line. Your mission, if you choose to accept it (which I highly recommend you do), is to create straight lines that connect each tile from one side of the board to the other. Sounds simple, right? Well, let’s dive in and see!

Now, here’s where things get interesting. You won’t be playing with normal playing cards here. Instead, you’ll use a deck made up of hexagonal tiles. Each tile has three colored lines – talk about a game changer! You have to strategically place these tiles to form lines that connect seamlessly across the board.

Keep in mind that you can rotate the tiles, so you have some freedom to experiment. Don’t worry, though – this game isn’t a race against the clock. Take your time and carefully think about each placement. After all, the goal is to maximize your points and create the most optimal lines possible. It’s all about planning ahead and considering how each move will impact the overall board.

As the game progresses, you’ll start to encounter challenging situations. But fear not! In Take it Easy!, you have three different colors to work with, so if one of them doesn’t fit within a line, you can always rely on the other options. It’s all about finding the best combination and optimizing your score.

Now, let’s talk points. Each line you complete will earn you points, and bonus points are up for grabs if you manage to create a continuous line. But beware – if you leave empty spaces on your board, they’ll cost you points. So, tread carefully and pay attention to ensure you’re maximizing your score.

So, my fellow puzzle enthusiasts, are you ready to take on the challenge? Remember, the key to success is strategic thinking, planning ahead, and making the most of the colored tiles at your disposal. So, dive into the world of Take it Easy! and let the puzzle-solving fun begin! Good luck!

Before we start playing for the first time, let’s make sure we have everything set up. Push out the hexagonal tiles from the punched boards carefully.

Each of us will need a game board and a set of tiles in our chosen color.

We need to decide who will be the ‘caller’. The caller will turn their tiles face down and mix them up really well.

Now, the rest of us will place our tiles face up and organize them into three groups based on the top number – 1, 5, or 9. This will make it easier for the caller to find the tiles they need.

It’s important to note that each tile has either a “sun” or a “moon” symbol on it. These symbols don’t matter in the standard game of Take It Easy! They are just there for decoration. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are some game variants that use these symbols. You can find them at the end of this rulebook.

Now, Let’s Play!

When I play this game, I choose one of my tiles randomly. Then, I turn it over and say the three numbers on it.

The other players have to find the same tile in their own set of tiles. We all put our tiles on our own game boards, including me.

Once everyone has placed their tiles, I pick the next one. We keep playing like this until all the boards are full of tiles.

Guidelines for Placement

When it comes to placing objects in a space, there are a few important rules to keep in mind. These guidelines can help ensure that your setup is visually appealing and functional.

1. Balance

Creating balance is crucial in arranging objects. Aim for an even distribution of visual weight throughout the space to avoid a cluttered or lopsided appearance. Consider the size, shape, and color of each item to create a harmonious arrangement.

2. Proximity

The proximity of objects to one another can affect the overall visual impact. Group similar items together to create a sense of cohesion. Additionally, leave enough space between objects to allow them to breathe and be appreciated individually.

3. Focal Point

Every space should have a focal point, a standout element that draws the eye. This could be a large piece of artwork, a unique furniture item, or a statement accessory. By creating a focal point, you give the room a sense of purpose and help guide the viewer’s attention.

4. Scale

Understanding scale is key. Consider the size of the space and the objects you are working with. In a large room, oversized furniture or decor can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, in a small room, choosing smaller-scale items can prevent the space from feeling cramped.

5. Visual Flow

Think about how your eye moves through the space. Arrange objects in a way that encourages a smooth flow and easy navigation. Avoid blocking natural pathways and ensure that there is a clear and logical progression from one area to another.

By following these placement rules, you can create a visually appealing and well-arranged space that suits your style and needs. Remember, the key is to achieve balance, consider proximity, create a focal point, understand scale, and ensure a smooth visual flow. So go ahead and embark on your decorating journey with confidence!

When I play this game, I always make sure to place the tiles with the numbers upright, as if I were reading them from a page.

The great thing about this game is that I can place the tiles anywhere on my playing board, as long as the space is empty. But remember, only one tile can be placed on each space.

Once the tile is placed, it can’t be moved. As the game goes on, I might not be able to match all the stripes on the tiles I’m placing with the existing rows. But that’s okay, because every player has to place the tile drawn by the caller.

Let’s Finish the Game

Once we’ve placed the 19th tile and our boards are full, it’s time to count our scores.

How Do We Score?

We can score points for each row on our playing boards in three different directions: vertically, diagonally from the bottom left to top right, and diagonally from the top left to bottom right.

In this game, you score points by creating rows of tiles that have continuous stripes of the same color. To count as a “Scoring Row,” the stripe must stretch from one edge of the board to the other without any interruptions.

However, if a row contains even just one tile with a stripe of a different color, it will not score any points and won’t be considered a Scoring Row.

To calculate your score:

For each Scoring Row on your completed playing board, multiply the number of tiles in the row by the value assigned to the stripe’s color. This will give you the score for that row. Examples can be found on the next page, just below the diagram in the section titled “an example game.”

Determining the Winner

The person with the highest final score at the end of the game is the winner of the round!

When you play games, you have the option to play one round or multiple rounds. If you choose to play multiple rounds, each player will take a turn being the caller. In this type of game, the scores from each round are added together to create a cumulative running total.

A Game Example

Let me show you an example of how scoring works in a game.

Let me explain the scoring system for a fun game called Tile Crush. It’s a game where you match tiles with different stripes to earn points. Here’s how it works:

When you have three yellow-striped tiles in a vertical row, you score 27 points. That’s because 3 multiplied by 9 equals 27.

If you manage to get four black-striped tiles in a vertical row, you score 4 points. That’s because 4 multiplied by 1 equals 4.

Five grey-striped tiles in a vertical row will earn you 25 points. It’s simply 5 multiplied by 5 equals 25.

Now, if you have three black-striped tiles in a vertical row, you score 3 points. That’s 3 multiplied by 1 equals 3.

Next, let’s talk about diagonal rows. If you get three white-striped tiles in a diagonal row, you score 6 points. It’s just 3 multiplied by 2 equals 6.

Four green-striped tiles in a diagonal row will earn you 28 points. That’s because 4 multiplied by 7 equals 28.

For five red-striped tiles in a diagonal row, you get 30 points. It’s 5 multiplied by 6 equals 30.

If you manage to match three white-striped tiles in another diagonal row, you score 6 points. It’s just 3 multiplied by 2 equals 6.

And if you have three pink-striped tiles in a diagonal row, you score 9 points. That’s 3 multiplied by 3 equals 9.

Finally, if you get five orange-striped tiles in a diagonal row, you score a whopping 40 points. It’s 5 multiplied by 8 equals 40.

To calculate the total score for all your lines, you add up all the points you earned. In this case, the player’s total score is 178 points.

That’s how the scoring system works in Tile Crush. So, keep swiping and matching those tiles to earn as many points as possible!

Did you know that you can score a maximum of 307 points when playing the classic game “Take It Easy!”? It’s pretty amazing, right?

I discovered that there are actually sixteen unique ways to reach this high score. I even found an example of one of these ways on the back of the game box!