How to Play Queah: An Abstract Strategy Game from Liberia

Queah is a captivating two-player abstract strategy game originating from Liberia, where players engage in a battle of wits on a simple grid. The objective is to outsmart your opponent by strategically positioning your pieces while attempting to capture theirs.

Game Setup:

1. Board Layout: The game is played on a 7x7 grid, which can be drawn in the sand or on a flat surface.
2. Pieces: Each player starts with a set of 12 pieces, typically distinguished by colour or shape.

Gameplay:

Players take turns placing their pieces on the board. The aim is to create formations that allow for capturing the opponent's pieces while simultaneously enhancing your own position.

1. Placement: Players alternate placing one piece at a time on any unoccupied square.
2. Capturing: If a player surrounds an opponent's piece on two adjacent sides, that piece is captured and removed from the board. The challenge lies in both defending your pieces and planning your attacks wisely.

Winning the Game:

The game concludes when a player surrounds and captures all of the opponent's pieces, rendering them unable to make any further moves. Strategy and foresight are crucial, making Queah not just a test of skill, but also of tactical thinking and planning.

This elegant game not only provides entertainment but also serves as a cultural connection to Liberia’s rich heritage.