Smart Zone Games Hive Pocket

This game has little hexes with different insects on them, and each type moves differently (like how chess pieces each move differently). This “Pocket” version still has pieces that are plenty big enough for play on any table, etc. I can’t imagine needing the full-sized version, especially since the hive can sometimes sprawl a little bit. Plus this Pocket version includes the “ladybug” and “mosquito” expansions, which are aren’t cheap to buy separately for the original version of the game.The object of the game is to surround your opponents queen before your opponent surrounds yours — and the hive can never split, so all pieces must touch each other in a contiguous mass (with gaps). Pieces move like this:Queen: Slide-moves one space any direction while staying connected to the hive.Grasshopper: Hops over pieces to the next open space in that direction.Spider: Slide-moves exactly 3 spaces without backtracking.Ant: Slide-moves to any position you can slide it to (but not into holes that would require insertion from above).Beetle: Moves one space per turn, but can slide or move on TOP of other pieces.Ladybug (included expansion): Must move 3 spaces such that the first 2 are on top of the hive, and the 3rd brings it back down to table level.Mosquito (included expansion): Can take the movement characteristics of any creature it is touching at the beginning of the turn, so if it is beside a spider and a grasshopper, the mosquito can jump to the next open space like the grasshopper, or can slide 3 spaces like the spider. If the mosquito is acting like a beetle and moves on TOP of the hive, it plays as a beetle until it comes back to table level.We found it helpful to play without the expansions the first couple times, and then add the expansions one at a time. It’s fun to see how strategies develop experimentally when you aren’t taught strategies to begin with, so a strategy that works in the first game or two might cease to work quickly. I’m sure that as we play more, eventually we’ll end up with some more robust strategies. Our first couple games went a little slowly while we referenced the rules frequently and tried to guess how moves would impact the game. It seems like 20 minutes will probably be the average game duration.If this type of creatively simplified chess mechanic sounds interesting to you, I certainly recommend you check it out!

For those who haven’t played the “Hive” game before:”Hive” is an outstanding addition to any board game collection. From the “casual” to “the enthusiast” board gamer, this game will give you a smile to bust out with a friend/family member.My arsenal of board games was always geared for parties with four or more players(“Citadels” by Fantasy Flight; “BANG!” by daVinci Games; “Small World” by Days of Wonder… to name a few), so this game was a beautiful first addition to my 1v1 games category.”Hive” is a creative and fun 2-player strategy game that tantalizes the same mental faculties of chess, but without the same difficulty and stress of chess. (AKA: “Chess for the Rest of Us”) While it’s (generally) not fun to play “Chess” with players between the ages of 8 and 18, “Hive” does stay fun an interesting. (I have younger half-siblings, so it was important the game was fun for me—an enthusiast at 28 years old-—and for them—light board gamers at 12 years old.)===For those of you who have played the original “Hive” and are wondering what’s the difference between that and this “Pocket Edition”:Most obvious difference: The pieces are nearly half the size.(Side note: The size change actually doesn’t make the game any more/less portable. Both the full size and “pocket” size are equally simple to carry around. So either game is)GREAT for camp outs, picnics at the park, dates with your comfortably geeky girlfriend/boyfriend at the coffee shop.The only SLIGHT downside is: with the hexagons being smaller, they’re closer to being ‘circular’ in shape. This slight ambiguity makes it a little harder to keep the hive orderly as you play. You sometimes have to pause and straighten the pieces out a little. BUT don’t fret! It isn’t THAT much of a hassle.Next difference: Two NEW Expansion pieces (Lady Bug and Mosquito) INCLUDED!-The Lady Bug moves 3 spaces: two spaces on top of the hive and then 1 space to get back down.-Mosquito copies the movement rules of a bug it touches.(The mosquito really makes it an interesting/fun game.)Note: You can consider buying the Hive “Carbon Edition” to still get these two new expansion pieces, where you will get the added advantage of regular sized tiles, but you will unfortunately lose all the fun colors of the bugs (Carbon Edition is only in black & white.)And while you can also consider buying the original “Hive” and then buying the “expansion pieces” separately… it ends up being too costly to justify. (As of this writing anyway, maybe the pieces/games will get cheaper in the future?)

Recently, while camping, my teen son & I couldn’t get any one else to play games. We were stuck with a pile of multiplayer games so when we came home, I began a search for the best 2 player games & this one pulled up on quite a few lists! We are BIG board game people, I am amazed I have never seen this one before!We have now played it a bunch of times & both love it, I am not a strategy person but my son is. Although he wins more than not, I still have a good chance of winning & it is always fun! The pieces & moves really fit the insect/spider behavior so you do pick up & remember the moves easily. I bet they will come out with a caterpillar expansion :)I could see playing this game anywhere – even a plane. The tiles are heavy & solid & would stay put, especially if you take a little no slip drawer pad (could easily be stored in the bigger-than-necessary carrying bag. Play it on a windy day outside, play it in the backseat of a car on the center console. It is s

This version of the game comes with the base set of pieces as well as the additional, more advanced mosquito and ladybug. Also included is a pretty quality canvas bag for holding the game. The pieces are durable and tactile, very fun to hold and play with.The game itself is extremely fun, easy to learn + teach, and quick to play. Definitely my go-to game when travelling or just trying to kill some time with a friend. I often describe it as “chess, if chess was fun.” Each game takes at most a few minutes, and even after months of playing regularly I feel like I still learn something from every round. After playing a round, everyone I’ve played with has wanted to jump into another game to test out a new strategy or piece.All in all, a very fun and engaging game for 2 players. Would recommend to literally anyone.

Zero set-up, doesn’t take long, not as intimidating as chess for new players, and just such a delight. My favorite game!I’ve also played the full-size version which is great on a table and has nice pieces. But you take the pocket version camping/ on a plane.