Let's learn how to play mammalath_displayed!

Tips:
• You can press SPACE key to make the tutorial progress instead of using buttons.
• You can use to minimize tutorial explanations if needed.

This tutorial exists thanks to: apollo10010

apollo1001Welcome to Mammalath! Your mission is to place [blue]tokens[/blue] on the grid in order to make 3 in a row (including diagonally). Sounds easy? It is! However, your 3 in a row must *NOT* be on top of any animal or you will lose!1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Our opponent has made their first move. As the second player we get a one-time-only chance to swap colours (and thus take their first placement) if we feel their move was too strong. If not, we can proceed as normal. Here, let's proceed: place a [blue]token[/blue] on F3.1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Our opponent has started forming a line. Whilst they cannot complete it until the underlying animals have been removed, it might be a good idea to block at least one of the ends now before things get out of hand. Let's block at C2.1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001This configuration of black [blue]stones[/blue] is quite common, as it threatens 6 different lines of three, and careful removal of animals can often force a victory. Let's quickly go over animal removal. Instead of placing a [blue]token[/blue] you may [green]release animals[/green] in one of 2 ways: 1. Release 3 animals in a row (gaps not allowed). 2. Release all animals of a particular type. 1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001We can't block everything, but a block on D3 also helps build up some threats of our own. *Place a token on D3*2archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Our opponent has blundered and, with a clever combination of moves we can force a victory. Let's start by releasing three in a row.1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001You can see that our opponent is now forced to play on E3 to stop us winning. In the process we have removed animals from our tokens on D3 and F3.1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Our next force can be made using our diagonal pair of [blue]tokens[/blue], but this time we cannot release three in a row as there is a gap. We can however remove all of the Badger type!1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Again, our opponent is forced: they must place a [blue]token[/blue] on E4 to block our victory.1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001We can now force a victory by removing the Elephant on B1. Black cannot block our line of three (B1-D3) by playing there themselves, or they will accidentally create their own line of 3 from B1-B3. Look out for this trick!1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Sadly, this was missed and black was given a chance to save themselves.1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Black is forcing us to play a token. Can you block their line?1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Sadly for black, their defence was less than perfect. They forced us to play on E2, but this has created a double attack: (C2-E2) and (D3-F1). They cannot defend both of these at once!1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001D2, D2!1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Alas, D2 was missed, but they finally released the Elephant on B1 so this is still a forced victory (albeit slower)1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Our opponent realises that they have lost. When you can see you have definitely lost, it is quicker (and some would say more respectful) to play a losing move to end the game, rather than to dodge and have the opponent play the final move. 1archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001Thank you for taking part in this tutorial. Now fire up your own game of Mammalath and start enjoying it for yourself!2archivecontrol_editmode_centercomment

apollo1001