How To Play ROBOTS!: Rules, Strategies, And Tips

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ROBOTS! is a strategic board game where players mentally plan and bid on the shortest route a robot can take to reach a target space on a 6×6 grid board. The game focuses on spatial reasoning, planning, and quick mental calculation, making it a challenging and almost puzzle-like experience. So, learn how to play ROBOTS! today with this guide!

What You Need To Play ROBOTS!

Objective: Be the first one to earn 250 points or more!
Number of players: 2-5 players
What you need: 74 card deck, 13 robot cards, 3 reference cards, 1 rule sheet
Type of game: Card Game
Audience: 12+

Setting Up The Game

1. Choose the side of the board to be used (black or copper-colored).
2. Ensure all four board sections show the same colour.
3. Assemble the four sections into a 6×6 grid (36 spaces).
4. Place it in the centre of the table, so it is visible to all the players.
5. Place the two dice, the robot figure, the starting chip, and the 25 victory point chips next to the board as a general supply.
6. To know the starting space for the robot, the youngest player rolls both dice:
7. One die shows a number (1–6), the other one shows a colour (blue, yellow, green, red, pink, or white).
8. Place the starting chip on the correct space according to the dice, and Voila! You can start playing ROBOTS! now.
9. The robot itself stays off the board for now.

Power Cards

Power cards in ROBOTS! that add unique effects that can shift the game’s momentum. Here are the main types and their powers:

1. Recycle: This card allows you to reuse a previously played power card.
2. Extra Parts: It grants an additional move or action, letting your robot perform more tasks in a single turn.
3. Tractor Beam: This power card enables you to pull another robot or object closer.
4. Freakin’ Laser Beam: This card lets you remove obstacles or block opponents’ paths.

How To Play ROBOTS!

1. Players start by mentally planning a route for the robot from the starting space to the target space. They can move only in straight lines horizontally or vertically, changing direction only at intersections with matching numbers or colours.
2. Each move from one space to another counts as a single move.
3. When a player thinks they have found the shortest route, they announce the number of moves required, take the robot, and physically demonstrate the route to verify their solution.
4. If correct, the player takes the victory point chip from the target space; if incorrect, they must give a victory point chip to the player with the fewest chips (if possible).
5. After each round, the robot is placed on the target space, which becomes the new starting space for the next round. The dice are rolled again to determine the next target.

How To End The Game

The game ends when all 25 victory point chips have been claimed.

The player with the most victory point chips at the end of the game is the winner of ROBOTS!.

Strategies To Win ROBOTS!

1. Visualise Efficiently: Practice mentally tracing possible routes quickly and accurately to minimise your move count and bid confidently.
2. Bid Wisely: Only announce a solution when you know the shortest path, as incorrect bids can cost you points.
3. Observe Opponents: Pay attention to how quickly others are finding solutions; sometimes waiting a moment allows you to find a shorter route and outbid them.
4. Board Familiarity: The more familiar you are with the board’s layout and colour/number combinations, the faster you’ll spot optimal routes.
5. Stay Focused: As the game progresses and chips dwindle, every point matters, so avoid risky guesses unless you’re trailing and need to catch up.

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