Try playing this game from New Zealand at the beach by drawing the board in the sand. Find an opponent and see if you can win by ending up with your shell in the centre space.

Age 5 to 18

A game for two players.

Resources:

• A game board (download one here)
• Four markers each.

To start:

• Choose a set of points to start from. Each set is indicated as either a triangle or a diamond. The ‘guard’ makers are those placed where the heavy lines are drawn.
• Put markers onto four of the points of the star.
• Your opponent does the same.
• Every point should have a marker on it.
• Decide who will be the first player to move.
• Choose one of the ‘guard’ markers and move it to the centre of the star.
• Your opponent moves one of their ‘guard’ markers to the space left empty at the point of a star by your move.
• Take turns to move to an unoccupied space. This can be the centre of the star or at a point of the star.
• Move sideways or into and out of the centre space – jumps are not allowed.
• One marker on a space only.
• You must move a marker that is next to your opponent’s marker.

The winner: when one of you is surrounded and unable to move any of your markers

Variations:

• To make the game simpler, a hexagram board can be used.
• To make the game more complex, the number of points on the star can be increased. Make sure that an even number is chosen.
• The two ‘guard’ markers for each player are always placed at the outside of the set of markers.