GIPF

Don & Co., HUCH!, Ísöld ehf. · Board game · 1996
2 · best 2 30–60 min Weight 2.8/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 7.99
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love intense mental duels, GIPF offers pure strategy with moves that reshape the board each capture.

Highlights
  • Incredible strategic depth
  • Fast to learn
  • High replay value
Keep in mind
  • Steep tactical learning curve
  • Lacks thematic flavor
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About the game

What you do in a play session

GIPF is a two‑player abstract duel built around a deceptively simple idea that creates wildly shifting board states. On each turn a player drops a piece onto any empty space of the grid. When four of his pieces line up, he removes that line and, as a bonus, captures any opponent pieces that extend along the same line. Those captures can completely reshape the battlefield, forcing the opponent to constantly adapt. The win condition is to keep forming such rows until the rival runs out of pieces to place. While the rulebook is lean, the strategic depth is huge: every line you build opens capture chances and new threats. GIPF also anchors the broader "GIPF Project," a suite of companion games and extra components that can be played solo or merged with the base game, making wins or losses in the side games a strategic factor in the main match. A typical playthrough lasts 30–60 minutes, with a low learning curve but plenty of replay value for fans of pure logic and planning. Its 2.75/5 weight signals an accessible yet tactically demanding experience, ideal for anyone who loves mental duels without luck or heavy theme.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Category: Combinatorial Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: BoardSpace Digital Implementations: Boiteajeux Misc: Dice Tower Hall of Fame Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: GIPF Project
Publisher Don & Co., HUCH!, Ísöld ehf., Rio Grande Games, Schmidt Spiele, Smart Toys and Games, Inc.
Designer Kris Burm
Artist Kris Burm, lu'cifer

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

5,897owners
804wishlist
174want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play GIPF?
Exactly two players; it’s a dedicated two‑player duel.
How long does a typical game last?
Usually between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how deep the analysis goes.
What is the game’s complexity?
With a BGG weight of 2.75, the rules are easy to grasp but the tactical depth is significant.
What components are included in the box?
A grid board, two sets of pieces (about 30 each), and a rulebook.
Who is GIPF best suited for?
Fans of abstract games, logic challenges, and quick yet intense head‑to‑head matches.

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