TZAAR is a replacement for TAMSK in the GIPF series of two-player abstract games.

TZAAR is a game about making decisions. Both players have 30 pieces split over three types: 6 Tzaars, 9 Tzarras and 15 Totts. These three types of pieces form a trinity: they cannot exist without each other. The goal is either to make the opponent run out of one of the three types of pieces or to put him in a position in which he cannot capture any more.

The tricky question players will have to ask themselves on each of their turns is: “Shall I make myself stronger or my opponent weaker?” Meaning: Will you capture an opponent’s piece and make them weaker, or will you jump on top of one of your own pieces and make yourself stronger?

If you decide to jump on top of your own pieces too often, you will probably leave your opponent with too many pieces on the board. On the other hand, if you capture too often, you could end up with pieces that are not strong enough at the end of the game. What do you do? Up to you to choose!