Gaming book helps

This week we'll look at something just a little different, and that is a book on a game, rather than the game itself.

Long time readers may recall I have written on Hive in the past.

The game is as close to a modern, instant classic as any abstract strategy game created in the last quarter century.

First released in 2001 Hive, by designer John Yanni reminds a bit of chess, but is satisfyingly unique.

There is no board, with players adding pieces, representing insects with distinct move mechanics' to the every growing and changing 'Hive' in an attempt to ultimately surround your opponent's Queen Bee piece.

The current incarnations of the game have pieces made from a 'Bakelite®-like' material, so when that is factored in with the no board aspect, hive can be played just about anywhere.

Twice now Yanni has expanded on Hive by adding new pieces, initially the Mosquito and more recently the Ladybug.

Both were great in renewing interest, and in adding depth to play.

There is also chatter Yanni may yet add another bug with some play-testing being undertaken now.

With many great abstracts, Chess, CGo and Arimaa coming immediately to mind, strategy books are often penned.

And that brings us to Randy Ingersoll's 'Play Hive Like a Champion'. In the author's case he writes as a champion, having won the 2011 online Hive tourney at BoardSpace.com

Now I should preface the rest of this review with a note which lets readers know Ingersoll includes a chapter late in the book with some 'homegrown' piece concepts. They are Hive ideas created by players and included in the book for some home experimentation.

Yours truly was asked permission to include a 'Gnat piece' idea I had posted to Boardgamegeek.com

So yes the book holds some added interest to me because it does include my little Gnat idea.

But that is not why you should be interested in Ingersoll's book.

What Ingersoll does is offer up a good foundational understanding of the theory of Hive.

Avid players, of which I am one when an opponent is handy, will appreciate the refresher, and newcomers will gain a head start on the learning curve.

Ingersoll also gives some great strategy tips and even the best players can learn a thing, or two.

The book is also well-illustrated, and if you are like me, you can better understand and understand certain game move strategies when you can see them.

Available in an eReader format, this is a book Hive players, casual and serious alike should be seeking out. It will make you a more knowledgeable player on the very fine game of Hive.

If anyone is interested in this game, or other board games feel free to contact [email protected]