How to play Tantrix Official Rules

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Tantrix Game Rules

Welcome to the world of Tantrix, a unique and perplexing puzzle game that will challenge and entertain you. In Tantrix, you will encounter a captivating blend of strategy, creativity, and puzzlement. Let me guide you through the rules of this fascinating game.

The Basics

Tantrix is played with a set of hexagonal tiles, each adorned with colorful lines and loops. The objective of the game is to create the longest line or loop of your chosen color. To start, each player randomly selects a tile from the bag. The player who picks the tile with the longest line or loop of their color goes first.

Placing Tiles

During your turn, you must place a tile adjacent to one or more tiles already on the board. When you place a tile, you must align at least one line or loop on the new tile to a line or loop on an existing tile. This connection is essential to keep the game flowing.

Creating Lines and Loops

As you place tiles, your goal is to extend your own line or loop while blocking your opponents from doing the same. A line is a series of tiles with matching colors, where each tile is adjacent to the next in a straight line. A loop, on the other hand, is a closed path of tiles with matching colors.

The Challenge

What makes Tantrix truly intriguing is its intricate puzzle nature. With each tile you place, you must consider both immediate possibilities and future moves. Will your placement advance your own line or loop? Will it hinder your opponents? These are the questions you must constantly ask yourself as you navigate the Tantrix board.

The Winner

The game ends when no more tiles can be placed on the board. At this point, players count the number of tiles in their longest line or loop. The player with the longest line or loop wins the game. In the case of a tie, the player with the most tiles of their color on the board wins.

Dive into Tantrix

Now that you have a grasp of the rules, it’s time to dive into the world of Tantrix. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or new to the game, Tantrix offers an engaging and stimulating experience. Embrace the challenge, explore the possibilities, and enjoy the exhilaration of Tantrix!

Hey there! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Tantrix, where colors connect and tiles come to life!

When you’re playing Tantrix, it’s all about making sure the colors of the connecting links match. That’s right, it’s the golden rule here – you’ve got to “match” them up!

Gobble

A gobble is when three or more tiles surround a Tantrix, creating a vacant space around it. When a tile is placed into one of these 3-sided spaces, it is considered ‘gobbled’. Gobbles are also commonly referred to as ‘forced spaces’.

What is a Loop?

Imagine a line made up of a single color. This line passes through tiles and eventually curves back to connect with itself. This line is called a loop. Now, loops might not always be perfect circles – they can have any shape, no matter how irregular they may be.

The Tantrix

When a group of tiles are connected and played on the table, it’s called ‘the Tantrix’. They named it Tantrix because it’s like a tangled track.

Five Types Of Challenges

  • Discovery Puzzles: Your goal is to create loops using all the tiles. The puzzles get more challenging as you add new tiles. It may take up to ten hours to complete all 28 puzzles!
  • Tantrix Gobble: A fast-paced interactive game for up to 6 players, perfect for kids and families. Each game lasts about ten minutes.
  • Tantrix the Game: This award-winning game combines luck and strategy for 2-4 players. While the rules are simple, the tactics can be subtle and complex. Expect each game to take about 30 minutes.
  • Tantrix Solitaire: A challenging solitaire game that uses 14 tiles and requires both luck and skill. Playing solitaire is a fun way to improve your spatial skills and tile recognition.
  • Rainbow Puzzles: You can also use the 56 tiles to solve five color-coded puzzles. These puzzles are great for exercising your brain.

Tantrix Discovery

  1. Start by picking a few tiles and arranging them with their numbers facing up.
  2. Now, flip over tiles 1, 2, and 3 and connect them to form a yellow loop. The loop can be any closed shape as long as the ends meet.
  3. Next, break apart the tiles, add tile 4, and create a new loop using all four tiles. The color of tile 4’s number determines the color of the loop (which is red in this case). Remember, the loop can have any shape as long as it is closed.
  4. After breaking up the tiles again, add tile 5 and form a new loop consisting of all five tiles. Notice that the loop is red once more.
  5. Continue this pattern, adding one tile at a time. Each new loop must incorporate all the tiles collected so far, and the links between them must match in color. Just remember, the color of the loop is always indicated on the back of the newest tile!

Imagine this: you have a set of Tantrix Discovery tiles that you want to play with. The set has 30 tiles, which means the game ends there. But here’s the exciting part: you can combine multiple sets to make the game go on forever! How cool is that?

Now, let me give you some hints to master this game. Each new tile you add will make the puzzle harder, as the shape of the loop becomes more unpredictable. So be ready for a challenge!

There are three types of links: corners, straights, and bends. You can exchange links of the same shape without affecting the overall loop. It’s like a puzzle within a puzzle!

Here’s a tip: you can choose to ignore the “Match color” rule while you’re building the main loop. Once you finish the loop, go back and swap tiles to make sure all the colors match. It’s a clever strategy!

Last but not least, remember that holes are not allowed in Discovery. A hole is an empty space surrounded by six tiles. So keep an eye out for those and fill them up!

Now that you have these tips, get ready to unleash your puzzle-solving skills and have a blast with Tantrix Discovery!

If you’re looking for a challenging game, Tantrix is the perfect choice. With its colorful tiles and intricate puzzles, it’s a game that will keep you entertained for hours.

One of the key features of Tantrix is the four colors that come into play from tile 15 onwards. This adds an extra layer of difficulty to the puzzles, making them even more engaging and rewarding.

When it comes to solving the puzzles, it’s important to keep in mind the target solution times. The table on the left provides a guide for the ideal completion times for puzzles with up to ten tiles.

Introducing Tantrix Gobble

For a fast-paced and exciting gameplay experience, look no further than Tantrix Gobble. This family-friendly game is all about speed rather than strategy, making it a perfect choice for players who enjoy quick thinking and action.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Tantrix Gobble offers a fun and engaging introduction. It’s suitable for younger players as well, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun.

The number of players can vary depending on your preference for chaos. With more than 4 players, elbows definitely come into play, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game.

In Tantrix Gobble, the objective is simple:

  • Race against the clock to add all your tiles to the Tantrix board.
  • You can only place tiles that touch at least two other tiles.

When you play the game called Tantrix, you have the chance to earn points by filling empty spaces on the board with tiles. These spaces are called “gobbles.” To fill a gobble, all you need to do is place a tile on the Tantrix board in such a way that it touches at least three other tiles. It’s a simple rule, but it can be quite challenging to find the right spot for your tile. So, if you’re up for a fun and puzzling challenge, Tantrix is the game for you!

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Let me tell you about this thing called a gobble. A gobble is a space inside a Tantrix, which is surrounded by three or more tiles. In the picture, you can see two gobble spaces, A and B, with one tile that could fit at A.

Now, let’s talk about how the game is played when you’re playing alone.

  1. First, I start with all the tiles in a bag. Then, I pick two tiles randomly and put them together in the middle of the table, making sure their colors match.
  2. Next, I take one tile at a time from the bag and add it to the Tantrix on the table.
  3. When I add a tile, it has to touch at least two other tiles, as shown in the diagram. And, of course, all the touching colors must match.
  4. If there’s a new tile that I can’t add directly to the Tantrix, I place it face up on a “discard” stack.
  5. Whenever I fill a gobble, I can either put the top tile from the discard stack back into the bag or play it.
  6. The ultimate goal is to finish the game with no tiles left on the discard stack, after I’ve played all the tiles!

Playing the Game (2-6 Players)

Let me tell you how to play the exciting game of Tantrix in a few simple steps.

  1. Start by placing two tiles together in the middle of the table. Make sure their colors match. Then, distribute the rest of the tiles among the players, giving extra tiles to the more experienced ones.
  2. When someone says “GO,” all players start connecting their tiles to the Tantrix as quickly as possible. There’s no need to take turns!
  3. To connect a tile to the Tantrix, it must touch at least two other tiles. Also, make sure all the colors match.
  4. If you fill a gobble, shout “Gobble!” and pick one of your tiles to discard onto any opponent.
  5. Keep playing until you have no tiles left. When you play your last tile, shout “OUT!” The first player who runs out of tiles wins. The other players keep playing until they finish.


Here are some tips to help you along the way:

    Important Rules for Gobble

    When playing the game Gobble, it’s crucial to remember a few key rules that will help you navigate the game with ease. Let’s dive in!

    • Keep Going: Don’t let anyone discourage you! Even if another player shouts “Gobble,” you don’t need to slow down or stop. Just keep on playing!
    • Discard with Style: Instead of retaliating, it’s actually better to discard your gobble tiles onto players who are running out. It’s a strategic move that can give you an edge!
    • Double the Fun: If you’re lucky or skilled, you might be able to claim double gobbles by filling 4-sided spaces. This means you can discard two tiles at once onto other players, making your moves even more powerful!
    • No Restraint: The restraint rules from the Tantrix Game don’t apply in Gobble. You’re allowed to make double gobbles and gobbles with three links of the same color. Let your creativity and boldness shine through!

    Tantrix: The Game

    The goal of the game is to create the longest line or loop of your chosen color. You can play with two, three, or four players. While games with more players are more interactive, the two-player version requires more skill and is used in tournaments. Each player selects a color: red, yellow, green, or blue. All colors have an equal presence and no color has an advantage. Some players develop a preference for a particular color. Here’s how the game is played:

    1. Connect:

    – Match and replace:

    – Gobble:

    – Fill Gobble Spaces:

    When I start my turn, I always search for empty spaces on the game board that still need to be filled. If I find any, I try to fill them with my tiles. It’s important to make the most of every opportunity to place a tile on the board.

    Step 2: Take Advantage of a Free Move

    When playing the game, you have the freedom to choose any tile from your collection and place it wherever you want on the board. However, there are a few rules and limitations that you need to follow (check page 16 for more information). To make sure your move is allowed and to see how it affects the overall game, it’s a good idea to test it by placing a tile near the Tantrix.

    Once your tile touches the Tantrix, your move is considered valid. Don’t forget to take a replacement tile from the collection.

    Step 3: Fill the Gobble Spaces

    Before your turn is over, go through your tiles again to see if you can fill any gobble spaces on the board. This includes filling spaces created by your previous move. Remember to always pick up a replacement tile after playing one.

    Tip: Identifying Tiles That Can be Gobbled

    If you’re having trouble figuring out which tiles go where in the game of gobbles, don’t worry, it’s a common challenge. But don’t give up! With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time!

    Here’s a helpful trick: start by saying the colors of the tiles out loud, in a clockwise direction. For example, you might say “red, blue, yellow.” Remember this sequence as you search for tiles that match it.

    And now, let’s talk about the three rules or restraints you need to keep in mind when playing gobbles.

    So here’s the deal: when playing this game, there are three moves that you just can’t make until all the tiles have been drawn from the bag. These moves are called restraints, and they are a big deal. But once all the tiles are out, you can breathe a sigh of relief because those restraints are lifted.

      Oh, and there’s one more thing you need to know. You’re not allowed to create gobble spaces with three links of the same color. Yeah, it’s a bummer, but them’s the rules!

    Are you looking for a way to make your writing truly unique? Then you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the exciting world of creative writing and discover how to infuse your words with personality and flair.

    First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the power of originality. When someone reads your writing, they want to be captivated and engaged. They want to feel like they’re listening to you, not some generic voice. That’s why it’s important to let your personality shine through.

    One of the key aspects to keep in mind is the use of a conversational tone. By using contractions, you can create a more casual and friendly vibe. It’s like having a chat with a friend! So instead of saying “you are,” you can simply say “you’re.” Simple changes like this can make a big difference.

    Another important factor is the structure of your sentences. Varying the length and structure of your sentences adds excitement and keeps your writing from becoming monotonous. Short and snappy sentences can create a burst of energy, while longer, more complex sentences can add depth and intrigue.

    Additionally, don’t shy away from expressing your thoughts and feelings. Inject your writing with emotion and let your passion shine through. This will make your words more engaging and resonate with your readers on a deeper level.

    Remember, the goal is to stand out and make your writing truly memorable. So don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks. Embrace your own unique style and let your creativity run wild!

    Hey there! Let’s talk about double gobbles. They’re basically spaces that are surrounded by four tiles. Take a look at this diagram. You can’t play tiles at X or Y, until you fill in A. Once A is filled, you can play a tile at X or Y. Simple, right?

    Now, here’s the deal. When a gobble space is at A, it means that tiles can’t be played along X, Y, or Z. See that diagram on the right? The gobble at A “controls” the rest of the side. So, no playing along a “controlled side”. Got it? Cool!

    Hint

    If you notice that your game has empty spots or spaces in the middle of the Tantrix, it’s likely because you didn’t follow the three rules correctly.

    A simple way to understand the rules is to play Tantrix online, where the gobbles and restraints are already taken care of for you.

    Remember, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when playing Tantrix. Make sure to follow these rules to ensure a successful game.

    When you reach the point where you take out the last tile from the bag, you let everyone know that the bag is empty, and something interesting happens. This is called the endgame – the final phase of the game.

    In the endgame, you still have to follow the basic rules, but now you have more opportunities. You can make gobbles by connecting three tiles of the same color, you can create double gobbles, and you can place tiles along controlled sides.

    The game will come to an end when all of the tiles have been played. At that point, it’s time to count the points. You get one point for each tile in your longest line, and two points for each tile in your longest loop.

    Remember, only one line or loop will count towards your score. So, even if you have a long line, a shorter loop with more tiles will win. For example, a loop of 12 tiles is worth 24 points, which beats a line of 23 tiles.

    Tantrix Solitaire

    1. Choose any set of 14 tiles that have the same three colors.
    2. The main goal is to create a loop with one color that goes through all 14 tiles. But let’s start with a smaller challenge: build a loop with more than ten tiles.
    3. Begin by flipping all 14 tiles upside down and stacking them randomly. Then, place the first tile face up on the table.
    4. Take the next tile and connect it to the first tile, making sure all the colors match.
    5. You can place the tiles anywhere, as long as the colors match!
    6. Keep joining the tiles one by one. Once a tile is played, it can’t be moved.
    7. To calculate your score, count the number of tiles in your biggest loop and double it. The best score is 28, which is achieved by creating a loop with all 14 tiles.

    Helpful Tips

    • Trying to solve this puzzle perfectly every time is incredibly challenging in Tantrix. It’s not something you can master right away. When you’re starting out, just completing loops of ten tiles or more consistently is an accomplishment in itself.
    • You don’t have to choose the loop color right away. It’s usually better to keep your options open until you’ve played a few tiles.
    • Using “joker tiles” can be a helpful training technique. If you can’t conveniently play the next tile, set it aside and add it back later. However, keep in mind that for each joker tile you use, you’ll lose one point from your final score.

    Rainbow Puzzles (Loops)

    Let’s get started by organizing the tiles into groups based on the colors of the numbers on the back. We have 5 different puzzles, and I’ll explain each one in order of difficulty.

    The Green and Yellow puzzles are loop puzzles, just like Tantrix Discovery. The White puzzle is similar to the Xtreme set (sold separately), and it doesn’t give any color clues.

    The Blue and Red puzzles are pyramid puzzles, and they are quite challenging. Good luck!

    • Green Puzzle: (10 tiles). Your goal is to make a green loop with all ten tiles.
    • Yellow Puzzle: (12 tiles). Your challenge is to make a yellow loop using all twelve tiles.
    • White Puzzle: (9 tiles). Can you make a loop with all nine tiles? There’s only one color that can be solved – but which one is it?

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