- BGG rank
- BGG #99
- BGG rating
- 7.7
Azul
- 2–4 players
- 30–45 min
- Complexity 1.8/5
- 2017
- BGG rank
- BGG #13,353
- BGG rating
- 6.0
Traverse
1987
Rules assistance for Traverse
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 30 min
- 7+
- Complexity 2.0/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Traverse
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Traverse is a board game released in 1987 for 2–4 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 7 and up. It was designed by Michael Kuby and John Miller and its main mechanics are Square Grid.
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About the game
Traverse is played on a square "checker" game board with a 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" grid. Each player chooses one color of playing pieces. Each player has eight pieces of the same color: 2 squares, 2 diamonds, 2 triangles, and 2 circles. Each player arranges their pieces in ANY ORDER within their starting row. The object of the game is to get ALL of your pieces into the starting row of the player sitting opposite of you. The pieces move in different directions depending upon the shape: Squares can move horizontally and vertically. Diamonds can move only diagonally. Triangles can move forward on the diagonals or straight backwards. Circles can move in any direction. Players take turns moving one piece each turn. Two pieces can not occupy the same space. Pieces can move in single space moves, one space at a time and only into an empty adjacent space as dictated by the piece's legal moves. Players can jump over their own or another player's piece. Jumped pieces are NOT captured, akin to Chinese Checkers. Players can string together a series of jumps if each individual jump in the series conforms to the rules governing single jumps. The first player to move all of their pieces into the destination row is the winner. Players can not force a draw. Listed on "GAMES 100" GAMES Magazine 1992 Mensa Select 2-4 players ages 7 to adult
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Alga
- N.W. Damm & Søn (Damm)
- Brio AB
- Mitra
- Educational Insights
- Competo / Marektoy
- Educa Korea
- Glacier
Questions and answers
Traverse supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Traverse is 30 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 Traverse for ages 7 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.
Traverse has a complexity rating of 2.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a 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.
Traverse belongs to these categories: Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Square Grid. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Traverse are: Michael Kuby and John Miller. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Traverse 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.