# ZÈRTZ

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1999
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: #1045
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: 2.73 / 5
- **Designers**: Kris Burm
- **Artists**: Kris Burm, lu'cifer
- **Publishers**: Don & Co., HUCH!, Rio Grande Games, Schmidt Spiele, Smart Toys and Games, Inc.
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy
- **Mechanics**: Grid Movement, Map Reduction, Set Collection

## Verdict
If you love a tense two‑player duel, ZÈRTZ offers pure strategy with a lot of pressure.Surprising strategic depthElegant grid movementQuick, intense roundsSteep early learning curveNo luck, can feel rigidRECOMMENDED

## Description
ZÈRTZ is the third entry in the celebrated GIPF Project and offers a pure two‑player strategic duel. The empty hexagonal board starts with each player holding a pool of black, white and gray marbles. On your turn you may either jump a marble over one or more others—checkers‑style—to capture the jumped pieces, or place a marble of any colour on an empty space and then remove a vacant square from the board’s edge. This removal continuously shrinks the playable area, giving the endgame an almost claustrophobic feel. The goal is to amass the largest collection of marbles of a single colour; at the end, the player with the most marbles of any colour scores, and the highest total wins. While the rules are straightforward, strategic depth emerges from choices about where to add new marbles, which colours to sacrifice, and how to force mandatory jumps that benefit your set. Each jump can be chained, allowing multiple captures in one move. With no luck or cards, the outcome rests entirely on player decisions, making ZÈRTZ a hallmark of abstract strategy. Games typically last 30–60 minutes, perfect for a focused mental challenge without excessive complexity. The box includes 48 glass marbles and a high‑quality hex board, compact enough for travel. If you love deduction, space control, and set collection, ZÈRTZ will keep you hooked from start to finish.

## FAQ
### How many players can play ZÈRTZ?
Exactly two; the game is designed for head‑to‑head duels.

### What is the typical playing time?
Usually between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on player skill.

### How complex is the game?
It has a BGG weight of 2.7/5 – easy to learn, but with deep strategic layers.

### What components are included?
A hex board, 48 glass marbles in black, white and gray, and a small bag for storage.

### Is there any luck involved?
No, ZÈRTZ is a pure strategy game; outcomes are determined solely by player choices.

### Are there digital versions?
Yes, you can play online via BoardSpace or Boiteajeux.

### Who should buy this game?
Fans of abstract strategy, space‑control mechanics, and set‑collection challenges.

## Price Comparison
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