Bedroom!

Quarto! is a strategy and thinking game that offers a unique and engaging experience. It's played on a 4x4 grid with 16 tiles, each with various combinations of attributes, such as shape, color and height. The aim is to line up four pieces that share a common characteristic, but with a special twist: you don't choose which piece to play; your opponent does it for you. This dynamic creates a surprising and challenging element, as you must always be aware not only of your moves, but also of the options your opponent is offering you. I remember the first time I played Quarto! and found myself immersed in a mixture of fun and frustration as I tried to predict my opponent's moves while trying to organize my own strategies. Quarto! isn't just a game to pass the time; it's an interesting way to train the mind and improve spatial visualization and critical thinking skills. With an impressive total of 322,560 winning combinations, each game promises to be different and stimulating. If you're looking for a game that challenges your tactical skills with a dash of social interaction, Quarto! is an unmissable choice. What's more, the game has been widely recognized, receiving awards such as the Vuoden Peli for Adult Game of the Year in 2001 and the Mensa Select, highlighting its quality and enduring appeal.

Age 8 + 20 min 2 players

Artists: ;

Designers: Blaise Muller;

Date: 1991

Note: 7.2

Mechanics: Fitting Parts, Building from a Model, Grid with Squares, Pattern Recognition

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

OBJECTIVE OF THE GAME

Quarto! is a strategic board game where the main objective is to line up four pieces in a row that share at least one common characteristic: height, color, shape or solidity. Each player chooses a piece for their opponent to place on the board, adding a unique element of strategy to the game. I won my first game of Quarto! on a rainy night when, distracted by the sound of the rain, I placed a seemingly random piece that completed a secret line of hollow shapes; I still remember the surprised look on my opponent's face! That experience showed me how unpredictable and exciting Room! can be, keeping players on their toes with every move.

Tips for playing

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Bedroom!:

  • Look at the remaining pieces and plan your future moves. Anticipating your opponent's move can make all the difference.
  • Try to visualize different lines of victory, not sticking to a single strategy. Flexibility is the key.
  • If possible, force your opponent to give you a piece that complements your strategies. Create advantageous scenarios.
  • Remember that Quarto! is about more than winning; it's about making the game dynamic and engaging. Have fun and learn from every game.
  • Explore moves that keep several options open. This increases your chances of finding a path to victory in the course of the game.

Video about the game

GAME mechanics

  • Building from a Model - In Quarto!, players try to build a line of four pieces with at least one common characteristic. This mechanic involves observation and strategy to replicate or counter potential patterns on the board. Thinking outside the box is essential for predicting future moves and defusing possible opponent victories.
  • Placing Parts - Each move requires placing a piece on the 4x4 board. However, unlike other games, the player doesn't choose their own piece. This twist adds a strategic layer, where you need to consider the impact of each placement on your opponent's advance and the formation of the desired patterns.
  • Pattern Recognition - Quickly identifying lines of four pieces with common characteristics (such as height, color, shape or filling) is crucial. Players need to be alert to notice emerging patterns and prevent their opponent from completing them. A keen eye is the key to victory, turning the player into a true pattern detective.
  • I Cut, You Choose - Here, the strategy is reversed. Each player chooses the piece that their opponent must play in the next round. This dynamic requires thinking ahead, often trying to trick your opponent into believing in a non-existent advantage, while preparing a winning move for yourself.
  • Grid with Squares - The 4x4 board looks simple, but it hides complexity. This limited space forces quick, strategic decisions on where to place each piece. Each square can be the start of a winning streak, or the key to avoiding imminent defeat. In this compact arena, every move counts.

Game components

See all the items in the game below Bedroom!:

  • MDF tray
  • Leaflet with game instructions
  • 16 stylized wooden pieces

Additional Information

Other games

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