Picaria from New Mexico

Picaria is a two-player abstract strategy game from the Zuni Native American Indians or the Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest. It is related to tic-tac-toe, but more related to Tapatan, Nine Holes, Achi, Tant Fant, and Shisima, because pieces can be moved to create the three-ina- row. Picaria is an alignment game.

There are two variations to Picaria. The first version is simpler with 9 spaces or intersection points, and the second version uses 13 spaces or intersection points. The rules are the same.

Goal:

To create a three-in-a-row of one’s pieces either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Rules:

1. The board is empty in the beginning.
2. Players decide what colors to play, and who will start first.
3. Drop phase: Each player drops one piece per turn on any vacant space on the board except the center (central intersection point). Players alternate their turns. Pieces cannot move until all three pieces of a player have been dropped.
4. Move phase: After each player’s three pieces have been dropped on the board, each piece can move one space at a time following the pattern on the board including to the center. Only one piece can be moved per turn.
5. Players can create the three-in-a-row at either the drop phase or move phase, and win the game.