Cheapass Games will release the new abstract strategy game Tak to trade in late 2016. The game is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.
The two-player strategy game is designed by James Ernest and Patrick Rothfuss, based on Rothfuss’ game described in his novel The Wise Man’s Fear. The game is abstract, like chess, go, and mancala.
Each player has several matching pieces (called stones) and a special capstone piece. The game is played using a square board of any size from 3x3 up to 8x8, but most commonly 5x5 (Tavern) or 6x6 (Classic).
The goal is to build a road of connecting pieces from one side of the board to the other. Players may do one of two things on their turn: place a piece in an empty space, or move a stack of pieces that they control, in a straight line, dropping pieces in subsequent squares as they go, possibly covering other pieces along the way.
The game is raising money on Kickstarter and has currently raised $210,740 from 2,554 backers ($82.51 / backer average), well over its $50,000 goal. The Tavern set can be had for a pledge of $25.00, or at $40.00 will include a 5x5board. The Classic set can be had for a pledge of $55.00 and includes a 6x6 board. A companion book is also available for an additional pledge. Final trade MSRP has not been announced.