# Draughtnauts

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: —
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2
- **Duration**: 15-30 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: John Lazration
- **Artists**: John Lazration
- **Publishers**: LazArt Studios LLC
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Miniatures, Science Fiction
- **Mechanics**: Chaining, Grid Movement, Pattern Movement, Square Grid, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
Draughtnauts takes checkers' core and gives it a sci-fi upgrade with robots, crowns and explosive combos. Perfect for fans of quick but decision-packed duels where every move can trigger chain reactions. It feels like an intergalactic tournament where strategy and anticipation trump luck. Just don't expect groundbreaking novelty if you're already an abstract games master - it's an evolution, not a revolution.Intense 30-minute duelsCombo-heavy strategyCustomizable with extra ChampionsLimited base varietyDoesn't reinvent the genreFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Draughtnauts is like checkers chugged a futuristic energy drink and suited up in mech armor. In this strategic 2-player duel, you command a squad of robot warriors (the 'Draughtnauts') on an 8x8 board packed with tactical possibilities. Each player has one Champion (the boss) and three Drones (the grunts), set up differently every game - which changes everything from turn one. Drones move like checkers pawns, diagonally forward only, but the Champion is the wildcard: it can take TWO actions per turn if it starts by advancing, giving your strategy an extra kick. And of course, there's that classic rule we love/hate: if you can capture, you MUST capture - and capture chains can flip the game in a blink. The cherry on top? Crowns: when a Drone reaches the enemy's back row, it becomes a 'promoted' piece that can move forward AND backward. But beware: only three Crowns per game, and they're gone for good if the piece gets captured. You win by sending the opponent's Champion to robot heaven - or leaving them with no legal moves. And the best part? You can customize your army with extra Champions and Bases (sold separately, of course), creating unique combos for each duelist. Ready to enter the Tournament of Champions?

## FAQ
### Player count?
Only 2 - it's a direct duel game with no option for more players.

### Average playtime?
Between 15-30 minutes, depending on player skill and how many capture chains occur.

### Hard to learn?
If you've played checkers, you'll grasp the basics in 5 minutes. The Champion and Crown rules add an extra layer, but nothing too complex.

### Do I need expansions?
No - the base game is complete. Extra Champions and Bases are optional for those wanting more strategic variety.

### Worth it for non-abstract fans?
If the sci-fi theme hooks you, it could be a gateway. But at its core, it's pure strategy - best to try before buying if that's not your thing.

### Are miniatures assembleable?
Yes! Draughtnauts come as separate pieces you assemble, adding a personal touch to your robot army.