Pylos

Pylos is a beautifully simple abstract strategy game in which two players work together to build a pyramid — while competing to be the one who places the final sphere at the very top. The challenge lies in using your spheres as efficiently as possible so you don’t run out before your opponent.

Players take turns placing one sphere from their reserve onto the board. As groups of four spheres form squares, new spaces become available above them, allowing the pyramid to grow upwards. Instead of always taking a new sphere from your reserve, you may sometimes move one of your spheres already on the board to a higher level, helping you conserve precious pieces.

The cleverest part comes when you complete a square made entirely of your own colour. When this happens, you may return one or two of your free spheres from the board back to your reserve, giving you more pieces to play with later. Choosing when to build, when to climb and when to create your own squares becomes increasingly important as the pyramid rises.

The player who successfully places the final sphere at the top of the completed pyramid wins. With very few rules but plenty of tactical possibilities, Pylos is easy to learn yet wonderfully challenging to master.

Ages: 8 and Up

Players: 2

Play Time: 15 minutes

CONTENTS:

• 1 Board
• 30 Wooden Balls
• 1 Cloth Bag
• Rules

AWARDS & HONORS

• 1994 Mensa Select — Winner, USA
• 1994 Parents’ Choice Gold Award — Winner, USA
• 1994 Gioco dell’Anno — Winner, ITALY
• 1994 GAMES Magazine Games 100 — Selection, USA
• 1995 GAMES Magazine Games 100 — Selection, USA
• 1996 GAMES Magazine Games 100 — Selection, USA