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Focus

Daekor Designs, Estrela, Hugendubel Verlag · Board game · 1963
7.0 Ludopedia 6.5 BGG 2–4 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.4/5
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7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
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Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy an abstract challenge that tests your ability to anticipate moves, Focus is for you! It's a Sid Sackson classic that shines with its strategic depth.

Highlights
  • Pure and deep strategy
  • Fast-paced and tense gameplay
  • High replayability
  • Interesting 3D components
Keep in mind
  • No theme, just strategy
  • Initial learning curve
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a mind duel with Focus, a 1963 abstract classic by master designer Sid Sackson! Forget elaborate themes; here, it's all about pure strategy and reasoning. The objective is simple: leave your opponent with no possible moves. Each player controls an army of pieces that move on an 8x8 board. The twist is that the number of spaces you can move a piece or a stack of pieces depends on how many pieces are stacked together. Moved a stack of 3 pieces? Then you can move 3 spaces! But beware, stacks over five pieces have their bottom pieces removed to maintain order.

And there's more: pieces of your own color that you remove can be used later to re-enter the game anywhere on the board, creating surprise attacks or strategic defenses. Opponent's captured pieces count as points. Focus is a game that demands board vision, planning, and anticipation. It's one of those games where you play one round and immediately want another to test new tactics. Perfect for those who enjoy a no-frills cerebral challenge, where every move counts and victory comes from pure intelligence. A timeless gem for those who appreciate the beauty of pure strategy.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 OK
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Grid Movement

Categories

Abstract Strategy

Families

Category: Combinatorial Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Components: 8 x 8 Grids Digital Implementations: Abstract Play Digital Implementations: MindSports Digital Implementations: Super Duper Games Series: Gamut of Games (Sid Sackson)
Publisher Daekor Designs, Estrela, Hugendubel Verlag, KOSMOS, Labo Market, Milton Bradley, Mondadori Giochi, Nilco S.A., Parker Brothers, Random House, Inc., Spear's Games, Whitman, WOSI "Wspólna Sprawa"
Designer Sid Sackson
Artist Marion Pott

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,825owners
203wishlist
42want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate?
Focus is for 2 to 4 players, with the 2-player version considered the most strategic.
How long does a game take?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting around 45 minutes.
Is there a lot of luck involved in the game?
No, Focus is a game of pure strategy. Victory depends entirely on your decisions and your ability to predict your opponent's moves.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules are simple, but mastering the tactics and strategies can take time. It's a game that rewards practice and study.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy abstract games, chess, checkers, and other games that require logical reasoning and long-term planning.
Are the 3D components important to the game?
Yes, the stacking pieces are a key element of the game's movement and strategy mechanics.

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