Less: Like Chess but Less

Ever have those days where you crave a mental workout but have zero patience for a 40-page rulebook? Less is your perfect match. True to its name, this is a minimalist game that packs a surprising amount of strategic depth into a very lean package. The concept is straightforward: you have pieces on a modular board, and your goal is to race across the grid to reach your opponent’s starting corner. Sounds simple, right? The catch is that your opponent is trying to do the exact same thing, and every move you make could either open a path for yourself or accidentally block your own progress.

The real magic of Less lies in its setup. Since the board is built from tiles arranged randomly at the start, every session is a brand-new landscape. With over 100,000 possible combinations, you’ll never play the same game twice. It’s the kind of game you can set up in seconds, finish in ten minutes, and immediately hear the inevitable, 'Let's go again?'

If you're looking for a different dynamic, the game shines in team play. By adding another set of tiles, you transform the one-on-one duel into a 2v2 match. Here, communication and planning with your partner become vital. You need to synchronize your piece movements to ensure both of you reach the opposite side before the opposing team does. It’s an abstract strategy exercise that doesn't take itself as seriously as chess, but will still have you scratching your head and planning every step with care. If you enjoy quick games that are easy to teach to anyone and can fit in your pocket, Less is a must-have for your shelf. It’s pure minimalism, no fluff, just you and your opponent (or partners) in a frantic tactical showdown.