Mijnlieff (2010)

Imagine noughts and crosses (tic-tac-toe) but with the need to think several moves ahead and with each piece having a particular power and control over your opponent. This is Mijnlieff (Pronounced "Mine-leaf"). Try to create the most lines of 3 counters in your colour.

The standard game is played on a 4 x 4 square grid. Each Player has eight pieces with two of four different symbols. Each piece when played determines where your opponent can play their next piece.

In Mijnlieff each piece you play instructs your opponent to play in a straight line (either othogonally or diagonally) from the piece just played, to play away from or to play adjacent to the piece just played. The aim is to form lines of 3 but with your opponent controlling where you can play this is harder than it sounds. If you can play so your opponent is unable to go you get a free play anywhere on the board.

UK Games Expo best abstract game winner.