Hijara (1995)

About this game

Hijara ... 2-player abstract strategy board game of concentration – using placement of small stones, strategy and points accumulation. Game play: start with an empty board, end with a full board and the player who accrues the most points is the winner. The three ways to score points: 4 numbers of a kind in a row - horizontally, vertically, diagonally scores 10 points. 4 numbers in sequence in a row - horizontally, vertically, diagonally scores 15 points. 4 numbers in a square scores 20 points. Two additional optional ways to score points: 4 numbers of a kind in the 4 corner squares scores 10 points. 4 numbers in sequence in the 4 corner squares scores 15 points. You snooze, you lose - as overlooked points are forfeited. A singular game for two with only one rule - i.e. numbered squares may be filled in any order however, stones must be placed on the square [being filled] in numerical sequence of that square.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• 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 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.