Magnet (2008)

About this game

Magnet won 2010 Runner Up Abstract Game of the Year in Games Magazine. An abstract game where players try to get their king to the middle of the board. Each player has 12 blocks, 11 of which can be promoted 1, 2, or 3 times, thus increasing their movement capability (the king cannot be promoted so don't promote all your other pieces, or you will give away your king's location). A "magnet," a black pawn, is placed on a gridded point and affects all of a player's pieces on lines radiating out from that point, moving them closer to the magnet. You can capture other pieces in this way, removing them from the board.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.3/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.