# Hive: The Ladybug

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 20 min
- **Weight**: 2.16 / 5
- **Designers**: John Yianni
- **Artists**: John Yianni
- **Publishers**: Gen42 Games, G3, HUCH!, Productief BV, Smart Zone Games, uplay.it edizioni, Vendetta
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Animals, Expansion for Base-game
- **Mechanics**: Grid Movement, Tile Placement

## Verdict
If you love Hive and want extra speed, the Ladybug gives you just that.Fast movementNew encirclement tacticsCompact pieceCannot blockTwo‑player onlyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Hive: The Ladybug is a bite‑size expansion that adds a new insect to the classic Hive game, giving players a faster way to move around the hive. The ladybug moves in a very specific pattern: three spaces total – two on the top layer of the hive and then one down on the final step. This exact sequence means it can’t slide around the outer edge and it can’t finish its turn perched on another piece. While it can’t block like the Beetle, it can slip into and out of surrounded hexes, making it an excellent tool for opening lines or escaping a trap. The expansion comes with two ladybug pieces, one black and one white, ready to be used alongside the base‑game pieces. Because Hive has no board, the ladybug simply fits onto the same hexagonal grid, preserving the game’s fluidity. Playtime stays around 20 minutes and the complexity remains low, perfect for players who already know the core rules and want a little extra speed. In short, the ladybug adds dynamism without adding complexity, ideal for quick two‑player duels among Hive fans. If you don’t own it yet, the two pieces are a small investment that can change how you think about routes and encirclements.

## How to Play
Game Objective
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Preparation (Setup)
The Ladybug pieces can be added to a standard Hive set. They are placed into play in the same way as the other pieces.

Gameplay Flow
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Actions and How to Play
Ladybug Movement
Once in play, the Ladybug moves exactly three spaces:

    Two spaces on top of the hive (over other pieces).
    One space down from the hive. This must be the last move.

The Ladybug cannot:

    Move around the outside edge of the hive.
    End its movement on top of the hive (over other pieces).

Unlike the Beetle, the Ladybug cannot block other pieces by ending its movement on top of them. However, it can move into or out of surrounded spaces.

End of Game and Scoring
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Tips for Winning

    The Ladybug has the advantage of being much faster than other pieces.
    Use the Ladybug to quickly move into or out of surrounded spaces, which can be a useful tactic for attacking or defending.

## FAQ
### How many players can use the expansion?
The expansion is designed exclusively for two‑player games, just like the base Hive.

### How long does a game last with the Ladybug?
Playtime stays around 20 minutes, roughly the same as the original game.

### Do I need any extra components besides the two pieces?
No. The expansion includes only two ladybug pieces (one black, one white) that integrate with the original set.

### Can the Ladybug block moves like the Beetle?
No. It cannot end its turn on top of another piece, so it does not block.

### Does this expansion increase the game's complexity?
Complexity stays low; the new piece just adds a different movement pattern.

### Is the Ladybug usable in digital versions of Hive?
Yes, it appears in the "Carbon" and "Pocket" digital editions and on platforms like Board Game Arena.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, provided players already know Hive’s basic rules, the Ladybug is easy to pick up and adds extra dynamism.

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