- BGG rank
- BGG #8,603
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Conquest
- 2–4 players
- 120 min
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- 1974
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- BGG rating
- 6.1
Phalanx
1964
Rules assistance for Phalanx
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2 players
- 90 min
- 10+
- Complexity 2.3/5
Rules assistant for Phalanx
For 2 players
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Phalanx is a board game released in 1964 for 2 players, 90 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up.
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About the game
This chess-like variant is themed around the military formations used by the Ancient Greeks. Each player has 15 identical pieces that are set up on opposite sides of the board, which is comprised of an 8×8 playing field of squares that is further divided diagonally in alternate fashion (see picture). Pieces are comprised of 8 small triangles of various orientation (Auxiliaries), 4 squares (Archers) which are the size of two Auxiliaries, 2 Hoplites (which are the size of an Archer with an Auxiliary on top), and 1 Syntagma, a larger triangle (the size of 2 Auxiliaries combined). Since each piece must always be oriented to face its owner (diagram for set-up is printed on the board), you’ll find that some pieces are not interchangeable with others of the same type (like Hoplites and Auxiliaries). This is important as all movement is done by moving pieces diagonally, horizontally, or vertically without rotation along paths that are not blocked and the piece must end on a space where the board outline matches the piece. The object of the game is to capture or "Phalanx" your opponents pieces—not by jumping (as in Checkers) or by taking its place on the board (as in Chess), but by surrounding it on two of its sides with your pieces (custodial capture, as in Hnefatafl). A multiple Phalanx attack is possible if a move surrounds several of the opponent’s pieces at once. When 14 of a player’s 15 pieces are captured, that player can no longer win and is eliminated. Tied or drawn games (you can play to a time limit as well) are determined by the value of each player’s remaining pieces, which range between 5 and 20 points each.
Categories
Publishers
- Takara
- Whitman
Questions and answers
Phalanx supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Phalanx is 90 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Phalanx for ages 10 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Phalanx has a complexity rating of 2.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Phalanx belongs to these categories: Wargame, Abstract Strategy, and Ancient. Categories describe the theme, setting and style of a game rather than its rules. Filter the catalogue by the same category to find similar games when you enjoyed Phalanx and want something comparable for your next game night.
The catalogue lists Phalanx as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.