Docker (2008)

About this game

In the quick, spatial, tactical dice game Omba, players try to block one another on the tiny game pitch, which measures only 3×3 squares. All pieces start off the pitch. On a turn, a player rolls the die and either moves a piece on the pitch or enters a piece onto the middle square of his side of the pitch. A piece must use the full die result, can move only orthogonally, and can't enter the same space twice on a move. Spaces with other pieces in them aren't off-limits, but the cost in die points to move into and out of such spaces equals one plus the altitude difference between the two spaces. When you end movement in a space with another piece, you place your piece on top of it, trapping it. Stacks can be of any height – but make sure you are able to leave again when you climb a stack! A player who cannot make a move is eliminated, but his pieces remain on the pitch. The last player who can move wins.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.4/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.