Quarto — Prices

Gigamic, AccessiJeux, Back Alley Games · Board game · 1991
7.7 Ludopedia 6.9 BGG 2 · best 2 20 min Weight 1.9/5
Buy · from US$ 6.95
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Perfect for logic lovers looking for a 'Tic-Tac-Toe' on steroids. The standout feature is the opponent's choice mechanic.

Highlights
  • Genius and cruel choice mechanic
  • Elegant wooden components
  • Simple rules, immense depth
  • Excellent for mental training
Keep in mind
  • Strictly for two players
  • Can be frustrating for beginners
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine Tic-Tac-Toe, but with a twist that turns a simple game into a mental battle. That's Quarto. At first glance, the goal is straightforward: align four pieces on a 4x4 grid. However, the pieces are far from identical. Each of the 16 pieces has four unique attributes: color (black or white), height (tall or short), shape (square or round), and consistency (hollow or solid).

To claim victory, you must place four pieces in a row that share at least one common attribute. This could be four white pieces, four tall pieces, four round ones, and so on. But here is the catch: you DON'T choose the piece you place on the board. Your opponent chooses the piece for you! This mechanic transforms the game into a high-stakes psychological duel. While you might want a specific piece to secure your win, your opponent will likely hand you a different one to block your path or, even more cunningly, to set up their own victory.

Quarto is a pure abstract strategy game where spatial awareness and categorization skills are paramount. You must think several moves ahead, predicting not only the placement but also which piece will be handed over. With over 300,000 possible winning combinations, every match is a fresh challenge. It's the kind of game you can explain in two minutes but spend a lifetime mastering. Beyond being a fantastic mental exercise, Quarto is visually elegant and tactile, perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced, intense logical challenges. If you love games where luck is non-existent and everything depends on your ability to read your opponent, Quarto is the perfect fit.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Category: Combinatorial Category: n in a row Components: 4 x 4 Grids Components: Wooden pieces & boards Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Misc: Mensa Select Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Players: Two-Player Only Games Promotional: Board Games Series: Basic (Gigamic) Series: Classic (Gigamic)
Publisher Gigamic, AccessiJeux, Back Alley Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Family Games, Inc., Fundex, G3, Ghenos Games, Great American Trading Company, Identity Games International B.V., Korea Boardgames, Marbles: The Brain Store, Mitra, Oficina do Aprendiz, Pressman Toy Corp.
Designer Blaise Muller
Artist Blaise Muller

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

15,509owners
1,350wishlist
120want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many people can play?
The game is exclusively for 2 players.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple and quickly explained, but the strategy to win is where the real challenge lies.
How long does a game take?
Matches are fast, usually lasting around 20 minutes.
Can children play it?
Yes, it's great for kids as it helps develop spatial awareness and logical reasoning.
What's inside the box?
The game includes the 4x4 board and the 16 wooden pieces with various attributes.

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