La Trel (1994)

About this game

A unique blend of elements from Chess and Checkers, an abstract game for two players using the pieces: Defenders, Sabers, Tridents, and Warriors. While Warriors can move in any direction (like the Queen in Chess), Sabers may only move cardinally (as rooks) and Tridents may only move diagonally (as bishops). Defenders, as the name implies, cannot capture but are used to block or confound one's opponent. Pieces are captured in a Checkers-like fashion of being jumped over, with special rules for corner captures, and piece substitution. An unusual game combining very well-known mechanics from two of the classics.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.6/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.