L-game.
Language: eng
Genres: Game
First sentence: The simplest real game ever invented
Description: he L game is a simple strategic game invented by Edward de Bono.

The L game is a two-player turn-based game played on a board of 4×4 squares. Each player has a 3×2 L-shaped piece, and there are two 1×1 neutral pieces. On each turn, a player first must move their L piece, and then may elect to move one of the single neutral pieces. Pieces cannot overlap or cover other pieces. On moving the L piece it is picked up then placed in empty squares anywhere on the board and the piece may be rotated or even flipped over in doing so, the only rule is it must be in a different position than the one it was picked up from, thus come to rest covering at least one grid square that it was not previously covering. On moving a neutral piece, which is optional, a player simply picks it up then places it in any empty square anywhere on the board, (even the same square although this is the same as not moving it). The loser is the first player unable to move their L piece to a new position.

One basic strategy is to use a neutral piece and one's own piece to block a 3×3 square in one corner, and use a neutral piece to prevent the opponent's L piece from swapping to a mirror-image position. Another basic strategy is to move an L piece to block a half of the board, and use the neutral pieces to prevent the opponent's possible alternate positions.

These positions can often be achieved once a neutral piece is left in one of the eight killer spaces on the perimeter of the board. The killer spaces are the spaces on the perimeter, but not in a corner. On the next move, one either makes the previously placed killer a part of one's square, or uses it to block a perimeter position, and makes a square or half-board block with one's own L and a moved neutral piece.
Notes: How to play the L game
Pieces

The Board is made up of 16 squares. Each player (only 2 can play) has an L piece which he must move when it is his turn.
Object

The object of the game is to manoeuvre the other player into a position on the board where he cannot move his L piece.
Starting Position

Proceeding from the starting position, the first player (and each player on each move thereafter) must move the L piece first. When moving, a player may slide, turn or pick up and flip the L piece into any open position other than the one it occupied prior to the move. When the L piece has been moved, a player may move either one (but only one) of the neutral square pieces to any open square on the board. It is not required that the neutral piece be moved, this is up to the player!
A player wins the game when his opponent cannot move his L piece.
Background

The game was designed because Edward de Bono enjoys playing games and yet hates to concentrate on a large number of pieces. The intention was to produce the simplest possible game that could be played with a high degree of skill. An attempt was made to fulfil the following conditions:

   1. A minimum number of playing pieces, preferably one each.
   2. The smallest possible board.
   3. A game with very few rules, one that would be very simple to learn and play.
   4. A game that could be played with a high degree of skill.
   5. A game that would not be determinate. A determinate game such as nim or noughts and crosses, is one in which the starting player could always win if he knew the strategy. An indeterminate game is one which two perfect players would play for ever.

The L game was the result. Each player has only one piece. The board is four squares by four squares. The game is easier to learn and play than noughts and crosses and yet can be played with a high degree of skill. Against opponents who knew the game Edward de Bono has played for over an hour. Skill is required because there are so many moves. There are over 18,000 positions for the pieces on the small board and at any moment there may be as many as 195 different moves of which only one is successful.
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